In 1973, Dr. Donald and Lois Verleur took in four teenage girls, and opened what they believed to be the first home for children in Orange County, California. Drawing from the olive tree in the front yard and the idea of a family crest, Olive Crest, a name symbolizing “peaceful family,” was born.
Today, over 35 years later, Olive Crest has grown to become a leader in the prevention and treatment of child abuse, with over 900 employees serving nearly 5,000 children and families each year throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. Though more than three decades have passed, the Verleurs’ originating commitment to the welfare of at-risk youth continues to fuel Olive Crest’s mission to make a difference, “One Life at a Time.” ®Olive Crest works tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Their many innovative programs reflect their conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. With unwavering compassion, the Olive Crest family maintains a lifelong commitment to the youth and families they serve even after they have graduated from their programs.
