Program Information SHIELDS For Families, Inc. is a comprehensive community-based agency, which provides services to children, adults, and families who live in South Los Angeles. Through our various programs, SHIELDS serves 5000 families annually. SHIELDS employs 500 full-time employees and consultants, with an annual budget of over $25 million to operate 39 programs, including DMH-contracted mental health services, substance abuse treatment programs for adults and adolescents, housing, family preservation, transportation, vocational training, healthy start, assessment center, and after-school enrichment programs. SHIELDS programs provide for a continuum of comprehensive services that address the needs of the entire family.