International Institute of Los Angeles

International Institute of Los Angeles was founded in Boyle Heights in 1914 by the YWCA to support immigrant women arriving from Europe and East Asia make a successful transition to living and working in their new country. Formally incorporated in 1935, IILA has always been an advocate for the fair treatment of refugees and displaced people, including opposing the unjust treatment of Japanese Americans in World War II. Among those we have assisted over the decades include Soviet dissidents, youth fleeing violence in Central America, Vietnamese and Hmong refugees, and, currently, Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. 

IILA’s mission is to help families become self-sufficient and to promote cross cultural understanding.  IILA serves thousands of families and children every year through its nine State funded pre-schools, network of childcare providers, nutrition program for children, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement program, case management services for unaccompanied minors and survivors of human trafficking, and other services. 

To learn more about us, please visit www.iilosangeles.org.