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San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center Inc

EIN 81-4438145 · North Hills, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair51 out of 100GovernanceWeak48 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY REFUGEE CHILDREN CENTER, INC OFFER A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUPPORT, ADDRESSING LEGAL, SOCIAL AND BASIC NEEDS TO HELP REFUGEE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM MEXICO, CENTRAL AMERICA, AND SOUTH AMERICA SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE AND THRIVE IN THEIR NEW ENVIRONMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

Income
$357,857
Spending
$480,319
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
2.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 97%
Employees
0

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 51 out of 100. Higher than 19% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 27% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 34% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 1% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 48 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $366,741 spent. The San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes, specifically to secure legal representation and social services for children and their families who have come to the United States seeking refuge from the violence in their countries of birth. Organization Mission: Part III Statement of Program Service AccomplishmentsMission:The Refugee Children Center (RCC) provides a healing embrace and dignified welcome to refugee children and families who journeyed from Meso and South America through the U.S.Mexico border. RCC supports their transition to life in the United States through a holistic, trauma-informed approach that addresses legal, social, and emotional needs while fostering resilience, belonging, and community connection.Program Accomplishments for 2024:RCC continued to serve refugee and immigrant families in the San Fernando Valley through integrated legal, social, and educational support programs.1. Immigration Legal Services Under Department of Justice (DOJ) Recognition and Accreditation, RCC provided 216 immigration-related services, including assistance with asylum, SIJS, and related applications. Twenty-five participants received pro bono legal consultations, and six families secured representation through pro bono and low bono attorneys. RCC also supported 22 families in completing and submitting USCIS applications and translated 22 legal documents from Spanish to English.2. Social and Supportive ServicesRCC offered wraparound support such as mental health referrals, crisis intervention, Medi-Cal enrollment, rent and food assistance, and housing support. These efforts promoted family stability and wellness for 215 active participants, including 50 new families.3. Early Childhood and Family EnrichmentRCC launched Nuevos Comienzos (New Beginnings), an early childhood education drop-in program focused on play-based learning, parent workshops, and wellness support.4. Children and Youth ProgramsRCC hosted 12 art therapy and youth empowerment sessions, a week-long spring break program, and ongoing tutoring and music lessons to nurture self-expression and learning. Over 8,900 meals were served through partnerships with Nest Global and Go Campaign.5. Caregiver and Community Engagement Through Cooking for the Soul and wellness workshops, caregivers led sessions celebrating traditional foods and cultural practices. Over 200 caregiver sessions promoted leadership, mindfulness, and community connection.6. Healing and Wellness in the Community GardenLaunched in June 2024, RCCs community garden offers families a safe space for reflection and environmental education. Participants cultivate traditional crops, learn composting, and preserve heirloom seeds through RCCs Seed Library, fostering Indigenous food sovereignty and sustainability.Looking Forward:RCC remains committed to expanding its holistic model of care, deepening partnerships, and strengthening early childhood and garden programming to continue fostering hope, dignity, and belonging for refugee and immigrant families rebuilding their lives in Los Angeles.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 2018.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.