Inside Angel-Lena, Inc.: Our Mission, Our Services, Our Impact

At Angel-Lena, Inc., we believe that advocacy is not just a service—it’s a lifeline. Families raising children with autism or developmental disabilities often find themselves overwhelmed by the systems meant to support them. From confusing paperwork to long waitlists, the path to getting the right services can feel frustrating and isolating. That’s where we come in.

Founded with compassion and driven by lived experience, Angel-Lena, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families as they navigate complex educational, regional, and life-planning systems. Our mission is rooted in empowerment: to ensure that no parent ever feels alone in the fight for their child’s future.

Our Mission: Advocacy with Heart

Angel-Lena, Inc. was founded by Lareka Killebrew, a mother of a child with autism who turned her personal challenges into a professional calling. What started as one mother’s determination to advocate for her own child has grown into a full-scale movement helping families across California.

Our mission is simple, yet powerful: To empower families and individuals with autism through expert advocacy, personalized planning, and unwavering support. We know that every child has potential—and we’re committed to helping families access the tools, services, and confidence needed to unlock it.

Our Services: Designed to Make a Difference

Angel-Lena offers three core services, each designed to address the most common challenges faced by our families:

1. IEP Advocacy

We guide parents through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process—from understanding evaluations to attending meetings and advocating for appropriate accommodations. We don’t just represent—we educate, so parents feel confident in their voice and rights.

Whether it’s your first IEP or you’re fighting for more comprehensive services, our team is there every step of the way to ensure your child receives the support they deserve in school.

2. Person-Centered Planning

Transitioning from adolescence into adulthood can be one of the most uncertain times for families. Our person-centered planning service helps individuals with autism set meaningful goals—whether that’s employment, education, or independent living—and outlines actionable steps to reach them. This process is collaborative, empowering, and focused on long-term success.

3. Regional Center Facilitation

Navigating California’s Regional Center system can be daunting. We serve as Independent Facilitators, helping families understand their eligibility, apply for services, and build an effective Individual Program Plan (IPP). From service coordination to appeals, we stand with families to ensure they don’t fall through the cracks.

Our Impact: Stories That Matter

Over the past year, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when advocacy meets compassion. We've helped dozens of families secure vital services that were previously delayed or denied. Children who once struggled without classroom support are now thriving. Parents who felt lost are now leading their child’s support teams with confidence.

We also launched the Super Dads initiative, a powerful support group specifically for fathers of children with special needs. This community provides a space for dads to connect, share, and support each other—a reminder that advocacy is stronger when it’s shared.

Through workshops, consultations, and hands-on support, we’ve made one thing clear: when families are supported, children succeed.

Looking Ahead

As we grow, our goal remains the same: to amplify the voices of families and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. We are currently expanding our digital resources, launching a family-focused blog, and creating new programs that respond directly to what our community needs most.

If you or someone you know needs support navigating the IEP process, Regional Center services, or planning for the future, we invite you to connect with us.