Hawthorne Nonprofit A Sense of Home Announces New Leadership, Expands Services for Foster Youth

A Sense of Home (ASOH), a nonprofit based in Hawthorne adjacent to Inglewood, has announced significant leadership changes as it expands its mission to prevent homelessness by creating homes for young adults aging out of foster care across Los Angeles County.

Ken Grouf has been appointed as the organization’s new chief executive, while founder Georgie Smith will transition to the role of president. Additionally, HGTV star Drew Scott, known for “Property Brothers,” has joined the nonprofit’s board of directors, bringing valuable expertise in home design and construction.

“I am honored to join A Sense of Home at this critical moment,” Grouf said in a statement. “The organization’s work in creating homes, fostering community, and providing essential resources for youth aging out of foster care and others is a powerful force for change. I look forward to collaborating with the team to take this work to even greater heights and continue to serve those in need in Los Angeles and other cities.”

ASOH has recently intensified its efforts to support those affected by this year’s wildfires, which impacted numerous communities in the greater Los Angeles area, including parts of Inglewood. The organization is providing home sets containing more than 330 essential items to fire victims who lost their possessions and is currently creating 20 homes per week.

Despite these efforts, the need remains significant, with the organization reporting a waitlist of 1,000 households seeking assistance. This demand highlights the ongoing housing challenges faced by vulnerable populations throughout South Los Angeles communities.

The leadership appointments come at a crucial time as ASOH works to scale its impact. Former foster youth in the Inglewood, Hawthorne, and Compton areas have been among those benefiting from the organization’s services, which provide not only furnished living spaces but also community support and resources.

In other regional education news affecting South Los Angeles communities, UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music has named Michael Beckerman as its new dean, effective October 1. Beckerman, currently a professor at NYU specializing in Czech and Eastern European music, will lead one of the region’s premier music education institutions that serves students from throughout Los Angeles County.