On November 3, 2011, Penny Lane Centers’ Founder and CEO, Ivelise Markovits, was one of many prestigious women to speak at the 2011 Women’s Leadership Conference. This is the second Conference held by the Public Works Women’s Leadership Council which aims to foster the personal and professional growth of all public works employees by providing educational and networking opportunities. The theme of the Conference was “The Power of You!” and featured inspiring women in leadership positions throughout government, the workplace, and the community. Ivelise Markovits shared her story of how she created Penny Lane Centers to inspire many of the attendees. While working as a placement officer for the Los Angeles County Probation Department she discovered the lack of adequate treatment facilities available to girls, especially those who were a bit more challenging than others. Thanks to her passion and dedication,
Penny Lane Centers was able to open its doors in 1969. Ivelise overcame many obstacles and challenges to build the reputation for strength and quality that the organization proudly holds today. Penny Lane Centers began as a 25-bed facility for wayward teenage girls, with about 15 employees and now the organization is a full service operation with a staff now in excess of 400, serving over 3000 families. It takes a truly remarkable and dedicated person to create an organization like Penny Lane Centers and Ivelise Markovits is undoubtedly a source of inspiration and empowerment for young women everywhere.
For more information about the Penny Lane Centers Foster/Adopt program, or how to take the next step, please contact Laurie Rein at 818-894-3384 x1235, or lrein@pennylane.org.