ETTA, founded in 1993, provides a full spectrum of services for adults with disabilities.

our founders

Aaron and Rickey Bloom founded the Etta Israel Center in 1992 in honor of their friend Mrs. Etta Israel to raise awareness and sensitivity toward people with developmental differences. During his dedicated service to ETTA, Aaron served as board president (1993-1998) and board chairman (1998-2001). Rickey served alongside Aaron as a member of the Board from 1993-2012.

Upon his retirement from a successful career as an aeronautical engineer, Aaron dedicated himself to serving the Jewish community. Before co-founding ETTA, he served three terms as president of the board of directors of Beth Jacob Congregation in Beverly Hills. Rickey was a homemaker who raised four children each of whom achieved success in his/her chosen field. Aaron and Ricky had 11 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

In 2012, ETTA had the privilege of naming its fourth Group Home in honor of the Blooms.

Aaron and Rickey’s commitment to ensuring people with disabilities are included in the vibrancy of Jewish life continues to inspire, drive, and shape our work today.

our mission

ETTA serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, and is one of the premier providers of such services on the West Coast. ETTA’s services include residential housing, case management, employment training and placement, educational services and social services.

ETTA’s mission is to provide programs and services that enable people with disabilities, and the families who love them, to live fully enriched, independent, included and active lives as members of the Los Angeles community. ETTA’s vision is an inclusive, participatory community of people, with and without disabilities, succeeding and growing together.

We enable people with disabilities to achieve greater independence, autonomy and inclusion. We change mindsets, raise awareness, increase sensitivity and provide inspiration. We elevate lives and train leaders. We are a community of hope, warmth, support and expertise.

700+

youth and adults with disabilities served by ETTA programs, mentoring & counseling

900+

participants and staff of all abilities have enjoyed ETTA’s Summer Programs

7-70

age range of volunteers currently donating time and expertise

97%

retention rate of clients with developmental disabilities living in Group Homes

520%

growth in residential services over past 13 years

22

years an individual has been an ETTA client continuously receiving support and services

1600

individuals and families have received counseling, services and partner referrals from ETTA

5

Residences serving 30 ETTA clients through group and independent living

200

participants, counselors and community members participate in ETTA recreational weekend activities

83

dedicated ETTA staff members

80

activities per month ranging from community service to recreational and social events for ETTA group home residents

40