History of the Los Angeles Maryvale Guild

 On January 6, 1856, five Daughters of Charity from the Mother House in Emmitsburg, Maryland, stepped from a Banning stagecoach at their destination—El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles. They had come to fulfill a dedicated service to the needy of Los Angeles, then a pueblo of only a few thousand people.

The first orphanage in our city was established that year—at Alameda and Macy Streets—and from that time to the present, the Sisters have continually cared for children in need of shelter, security and devoted concern.

When the orphanage’s subsequent facilities, constructed in Boyle Heights in 1890-1891, were condemned by the city in 1950 due to encroaching deterioration of the structure, friends of the orphanage rallied to the cause. Mrs. Edward L. Doheny made possible the land for a new children’s home in the city of Rosemead in South San Gabriel Valley and was a generous contributor to the building program. A committee of women called “The Friends of the Los Angeles Orphanage” was founded to raise funds for this vital project—thus fulfilling the heartfelt hope of Sister Euphemia Walsh, then administrator of the orphanage.

On June 25, 1951, the name of the committee of women was changed to the Los Angeles Orphanage Guild. The Guild was incorporated as such on April 22, 1952.

The new child-care center was completed in 1953 and named Maryvale. It continued the focus of the orphanage’s original charter—to help young people attain dignity, productivity and self-esteem in an environment of stability and love.

In January 2023, the name of the Los Angeles Orphanage Guild was changed to the Los Angeles Maryvale Guild to better represent the mission of the organization.

Today, the Los Angeles Maryvale Guild, now more than 200 members strong, continues to be dedicated to fulfilling these important goals in a variety of ways. Working together, we provide the financial help to Maryvale through several special fundraising events each year, such as our “Be a Friend, Bring a Friend Luncheon,” Spring Gala and Special Edition Tribute Book, and annual campaign, all of which ensure continued support for Maryvale’s vital programs. In addition to our fundraising events, each year the organization organizes hands-on, meaningful interactions with the families Maryvale serves, including annual holiday celebrations, field trips, family weekend activities, and a mentoring program.