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Patient Newsletter, Be Well - Vol 2, Issue 1

Saban Community Clinic Breaks Ground on Crenshaw Family Health Center, Expanding Access For Over 287,000 Low-Income People in One of Los Angeles’ Most Underserved Communities

Los Angeles – May 8, 2026 — Saban Community Clinic (SCC) today breaks ground on its new Crenshaw Family Health Center, a major expansion that will bring comprehensive, community-based healthcare to the heart of South Los Angeles, one of the most underserved regions in Los Angeles County. The new facility is located in the historic Crenshaw Corridor and will serve a community where more than 287,000 low-income residents face limited access to primary care.

The project directly addresses longstanding gaps in care in an area widely considered a healthcare desert. The two-story health center will provide medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services under one roof. It will support more than 24,000 patient visits annually.

This expansion will bring critical medical infrastructure, including dental and mental health services,  closer to the patients who need it most, at a time when many providers are reducing services due to financial pressures.

“Access to care should not depend on where you live,” said Muriel Nouwezem, CEO of Saban Community Clinic. “For too many families in South Los Angeles, consistent, high-quality healthcare remains out of reach. The Crenshaw Family Health Center will change this, meeting patients where they are and delivering integrated care in the community.”

The need is acute. Nearly one in three adults in South Los Angeles delays or forgoes care due to barriers such as transportation, cost, and limited provider availability. Residents experience higher rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, and life expectancy can be more than a decade shorter than in more affluent parts of Los Angeles County.

The health center is being developed and financed in partnership with Turner Impact Capital’s Turner Healthcare Facilities Funds (THFF), which help mission-driven healthcare providers like Saban Community Clinic expand their reach by providing real estate expertise and ready-to-deploy capital for facility development.

“High-quality healthcare should be available to patients in every zip code. We’re proud to partner with Saban Community Clinic to develop this community-driven health center in an area of South LA that has been underserved for too long,” said Bobby Turner, CEO of Turner Impact Capital. “Expanding access to essential care helps improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and boost patient satisfaction. We are excited to help Saban make a meaningful difference for 24,000 patients every year.”

The Clinic has launched an $18.7 million capital campaign to support the project, with 72% of funds already committed. Additional philanthropic support is needed to fully realize its vision.

The new facility will offer a full continuum of care, including:

·       7 dental operatories, including panoramic X-ray capabilities

·       Behavioral health services, including case management

·       An on-site pharmacy with medication counseling

·       Health insurance enrollment assistance

“Investments like this are essential to closing the healthcare gap in South Los Angeles,” said Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “The Crenshaw Family Health Center represents a meaningful step toward ensuring every resident has access to the care they deserve. We have an obligation to address those health outcomes so that everyone has the same opportunity to survive in a healthy way.”

This marks Saban Community Clinic’s seventh facility in the Greater Los Angeles region and a significant expansion of its footprint as demand for affordable, community-based care continues to rise.

Saban Community Clinic has served as a frontline provider for underserved populations across Los Angeles for almost 60 years. The Crenshaw Family Health Center represents the next phase of its mission to expand access, advance health equity, and build a stronger, healthier future for the communities it serves.

Saban Community Clinic Breaks Ground on Crenshaw Family Health Center

Saban Community Clinic and Westmont Counseling Center Announce Merger to Expand Access to Care in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – November 8th, 2025 – Saban Community Clinic (Saban) and Westmont Counseling Center (Westmont) are proud to announce their merger, bringing together two trusted organizations committed to providing quality care to underserved communities. Westmont Counseling Center will become part of Saban Community Clinic, and this partnership will honor Westmont’s rich history and legacy of compassionate service while expanding the scope of care available to the Westmont neighborhood.

For decades, Westmont Counseling Center has been a cornerstone for behavioral health services in South Los Angeles, supporting individuals and families with empathy and expertise. Through this merger, Saban will build on that foundation—continuing the same mission and community commitment—while introducing a broader range of services, including comprehensive medical care, dental services, preventive screenings, and access to a larger network of specialists.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Westmont Counseling Center,” said Muriel Nouwezem, CEO of Saban Community Clinic. “Westmont’s impact in the community has been extraordinary, and together, we can ensure that residents have access to care that goes beyond behavioral health—offering a true continuum of services to improve overall health and wellbeing.”

The integration of services will allow patients to seamlessly access both behavioral health and other services like comprehensive medical, dental and pharmacy access, reducing barriers and improving outcomes in a neighborhood that has historically been underserved.

“Westmont is committed to helping the wonderful people of this community in any way we can.,” said Joel McLafferty, Executive Director of Westmont Counseling Center. “With this merger we will continue to provide compassionate mental health services, while opening the door to a new world of medical services right here at home.”

The merger is effective November 8th, 2025 with services continuing uninterrupted for current Westmont patients. Over the coming months, Saban will work closely with staff, patients, and community partners to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the personal, trusted care for which both organizations are known.

About Saban Community Clinic
Founded in 1967 as the LA Free Clinic, Saban Community Clinic (SCC) has maintained its founding principle that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. SCC continues its work to provide affordable medical, dental, mental health and specialty care to low-income and uninsured individuals, including children. SCC operates multiple health centers and a mobile clinic across Los Angeles and West Hollywood, delivering essential services to those who might otherwise not receive care. With over 155,000 visits annually, SCC provides more than $6.5 million worth of free services each year, truly making a significant impact on the community.

About Westmont Counseling Center
Westmont Counseling Center provides high-quality, affordable mental health services to residents of Westmont and surrounding South Los Angeles communities. The Center offers individual, couples, family, and child therapy, along with specialized support and therapy groups addressing issues such as anger management, women’s support, and Batterer Intervention.

Dedicated to helping people build resilience, heal from trauma, and enhance their quality of life, Westmont Counseling Center is also committed to the professional development of future clinicians by offering comprehensive training for pre-licensed psychotherapists.

Effective November 8, 2025, Westmont Counseling Center will become part of Saban Community Clinic. 

To learn more and register call 323.337.1810

Patient Newsletter, Be Well - Vol 2, Issue 1

Don't miss out on the latest edition of our patient newsletter, Be Well!

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Saban Community Clinic Breaks Ground on Crenshaw Family Health Center

Effective November 8, 2025, Westmont Counseling Center will become part of Saban Community Clinic.

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