Barbara Sinatra Children's Center

Barbara Sinatra Children's Center
Name	Barbara Sinatra Children's Center
Formation	1986
Founder	Barbara Sinatra, Frank Sinatra
Location	Rancho Mirage, California
Focus	Child abuse treatment and prevention

Barbara Sinatra Children's Center. The Barbara Sinatra Children's Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the treatment and prevention of child abuse. Founded in 1986 by Barbara Sinatra and her husband, legendary entertainer Frank Sinatra, the center provides critical therapeutic services to children and families in the Coachella Valley and beyond. It operates as a major program of the adjacent Eisenhower Health campus, offering a safe, state-of-the-art environment for healing and education.

History and founding

The center was established in 1986, driven by the passionate advocacy of Barbara Sinatra, who was deeply affected by the plight of abused children. With the substantial support and fundraising prowess of her husband, Frank Sinatra, the vision became a reality. The facility was constructed on land donated by the prominent Annenberg Foundation near the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. From its inception, the center forged a strong operational partnership with Eisenhower Health, ensuring access to comprehensive medical and psychological support. The opening was marked by significant philanthropic support from the Coachella Valley's community and a network of celebrities associated with the Sinatra family.

Mission and services

The core mission is to provide counseling, treatment, and prevention programs for children traumatized by physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Its clinical team offers individual and group therapy, utilizing evidence-based modalities to address trauma. A critical component of its work is the on-site Forensic interview program, which is conducted in a child-friendly setting to support law enforcement and Child Protective Services investigations. The center also provides extensive support and education for non-offending family members, aiming to break the cycle of abuse and foster healthy family dynamics.

Facility and location

The center is located at the Eisenhower Health campus in the city of Rancho Mirage, California, within the broader Coachella Valley. The purpose-built facility was designed to be welcoming and non-institutional for children, featuring specialized therapy rooms, observation areas, and a secure outdoor playground. Its proximity to Eisenhower Medical Center facilitates seamless collaboration with pediatricians, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals. The architecture and interior design prioritize safety, comfort, and confidentiality for the vulnerable clients and their families.

Notable programs and initiatives

Among its signature initiatives is the nationally recognized "Body Safety" program, an educational curriculum aimed at teaching young children about personal boundaries and how to report abuse. The center also runs specialized support groups for adolescents and therapeutic programs for children who have witnessed domestic violence. It actively collaborates with local school districts, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, and the District Attorney's office to provide community education and coordinated response services. Annual events, such as the "Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational" golf tournament, have historically been key in promoting its cause.

Funding and support

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the center relies on charitable contributions, grants, and fundraising events. It has received significant support from the Barbara Sinatra Foundation, established by its namesake to ensure its longevity. Major donors have included the Annenberg Foundation, the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, and numerous individual philanthropists from the Coachella Valley and the entertainment industry. Fundraising galas and partnerships with organizations like the American Legion have been instrumental in sustaining its operations and allowing it to offer services regardless of a family's ability to pay.

Recognition and impact

The center has gained national recognition for its innovative approach to child abuse treatment and prevention, particularly its "Body Safety" educational outreach. It has served tens of thousands of children and families since its opening, making a profound impact on the Coachella Valley community. The dedication of Barbara Sinatra earned her numerous accolades, including honors from the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse. The center's model of care and its integration with a major medical center like Eisenhower Health is often cited as a benchmark for similar organizations across the United States.

Category:Child welfare organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Riverside County, California Category:1986 establishments in California