Monique McClendon
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Monique K. McClendon is a passionate community advocate, youth mentor, and the visionary behind Arise Los Angeles — a faith-rooted nonprofit committed to providing safe housing, restorative support, and transformative programs for youth and women impacted by trauma, foster care, and human trafficking.
With a background in sociology and more than a decade of experience in youth development and therapeutic residential care, Monique leads with deep compassion, lived experience, and an unshakable commitment to healing and purpose. Her leadership has birthed impactful programs including Arise for Girls (STRTP), LAMP, DREAM, and Spread Love & Beauty — each rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to heal, thrive, and walk boldly in their calling.
Monique is also a featured author in The Story of Foster Care, Vol. 2 — a collaborative book that amplifies the voices of foster care survivors, advocates, and changemakers. In her powerful chapter, she shares her personal journey from adversity to purpose, illustrating how faith, resilience, and community shaped her path to creating spaces where others could rise.
Her story is more than a testimony — it's a blueprint for transformation. Monique has poured her own heart and resources into building homes of hope, healing, and renewal. Guided by faith, fueled by love, and anchored in purpose, she continues to be a light to those overcoming darkness.
Monique K. McClendon is a passionate community advocate, youth mentor, and the visionary behind Arise Los Angeles — a faith-rooted nonprofit committed to providing safe housing, restorative support, and transformative programs for youth and women impacted by trauma, foster care, and human trafficking.
With a background in sociology and more than a decade of experience in youth development and therapeutic residential care, Monique leads with deep compassion, lived experience, and an unshakable commitment to healing and purpose. Her leadership has birthed impactful programs including Arise for Girls (STRTP), LAMP, DREAM, and Spread Love & Beauty — each rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to heal, thrive, and walk boldly in their calling.
Monique is also a featured author in The Story of Foster Care, Vol. 2 — a collaborative book that amplifies the voices of foster care survivors, advocates, and changemakers. In her powerful chapter, she shares her personal journey from adversity to purpose, illustrating how faith, resilience, and community shaped her path to creating spaces where others could rise.
Her story is more than a testimony — it's a blueprint for transformation. Monique has poured her own heart and resources into building homes of hope, healing, and renewal. Guided by faith, fueled by love, and anchored in purpose, she continues to be a light to those overcoming darkness.
A Personal Message
When I first envisioned Arise Los Angeles, I was focused on opening one home — a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) for girls who had experienced the unthinkable. I wanted to create a safe, nurturing space where healing was possible, where love was felt, and where trauma didn’t have the final word.
But as I walked in obedience to that calling, the vision grew.
What began as a home for girls expanded into something bigger — a movement of restoration, purpose, and transformation. From LAMP for young adults, to DREAM for youth in schools, to Spread Love & Beauty for women in recovery, Arise became more than I could have imagined — because the need was greater, and the call was deeper.
This wasn’t just about a program. It was about people — real people who deserve to rise.
Every step of this journey has been guided by faith, fueled by resilience, and rooted in the belief that healing is possible when community comes together. I may have started with one home, but today, we are building a legacy of hope, one life at a time.
With love and purpose,
Monique K. McClendon
Founder & Executive Director
Arise Los Angeles
But as I walked in obedience to that calling, the vision grew.
What began as a home for girls expanded into something bigger — a movement of restoration, purpose, and transformation. From LAMP for young adults, to DREAM for youth in schools, to Spread Love & Beauty for women in recovery, Arise became more than I could have imagined — because the need was greater, and the call was deeper.
This wasn’t just about a program. It was about people — real people who deserve to rise.
Every step of this journey has been guided by faith, fueled by resilience, and rooted in the belief that healing is possible when community comes together. I may have started with one home, but today, we are building a legacy of hope, one life at a time.
With love and purpose,
Monique K. McClendon
Founder & Executive Director
Arise Los Angeles
“We don’t just house people — we heal them. We don’t just offer programs — we build pathways to joy.”
Arise For Girls - Los Angeles
Arise Los Angeles provides trauma-informed programs for girls and women ages 12–30. From STRTP housing to mentoring and outreach, we meet individuals where they are and walk with them through healing and growth.
More about Arise
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5211 W Adams Blvd #16 Los Angeles, CA 90016 (Mail Only)
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Copyright by Arise For Girls. All rights reserved. Designed by SRJ Websites.