For nearly three decades, Mitch Kaplan has served on the Board of the Alliance for Children’s Rights as one of our most steadfast champions. Alongside his wife, Marilyn Jones, he has supported children and families in countless ways. We sat down with Mitch to reflect on what first drew him to this work, the impact he has witnessed, and the sense of responsibility that continues to guide his commitment.
When you first connected with the Alliance in 1998, what drew you to this work?
Mitch: One thing I’ve always felt is that children are an unrepresented constituency. There’s no child advocating for other children.
There are plenty of groups that help children, but kids in foster care are one step further removed. Some don’t have parents or even relatives involved. Trying to find a place for them to live, grow, and be safe is a very important thing to do.
You’ve seen the Alliance change a lot since then. What stands out to you?
Mitch: We can help so many more children and families than we could back then. We’ve even been able to have an impact far beyond Los Angeles. National Adoption Day, which began at the Alliance, grew into a national movement.
One of the changes we really loved was the expansion of Alliance programs for youth ages 18 to 24. When we first got involved, Marilyn and I would talk about what happened when young people left foster care. That’s the time when people make decisions that can be monumental for the rest of their lives.
Teaching someone how to write a resume, fill out a work application, get a driver’s license, sign a lease. Those are all things parents would normally help with, and where the Alliance can make a real difference.
I’ve also noticed how many former clients come back and work here or go into social work. They want to make sure somebody else benefits from the same support they did. To me, that shows the impact.
You and Marilyn support the Alliance in so many ways. What keeps you showing up?
Mitch: When something’s needed, we like to be asked. We are fortunate enough to do it, and it makes us feel good.
We donate through our donor-advised fund. And at the end of the year, we make the qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from my retirement account. We donate to almost every event, basically.
A lot of charities you give to, you write a check to the “American Association of Whatever” and never really see the work. The Alliance is local. There is nothing like seeing the impact firsthand and being involved.
National Adoption Day is a great example. Being on the Board has also expanded my friendships and given me a greater understanding of what’s going on in the community.
I’m proud to be associated with an organization that does such special, incredible work for children in Los Angeles. It’s civic pride. It’s helping kids. I have a responsibility to do it.
You’ve also included the Alliance in your estate plans. What led you to make that decision?
Mitch: When Marilyn and I updated everything a couple of years ago, it seemed like a natural thing to do. Just as we’ve wanted to provide for our family, we’ve also wanted to support the Alliance’s future. We’ve seen the Alliance grow, and we’ve seen what it can do for children and families.
Unfortunately, there are always going to be children who need somebody looking out for them.
Every organization wants estate gifts. It’s something to have in your pocket. The more people who do it, the more you know something’s going to be coming. And it’s basically as easy as checking a box.
Hopefully, the Alliance won’t receive ours for a very long time, but it’s nice to know there will be support for the future. So, it was an easy decision.
When you think about the future, what are your hopes for the children and youth we serve?
Mitch: Obviously, I hope they succeed and are happy and that if they want to have a family, they have a safe and happy family.
I’ve seen enough over the years to know that’s possible.
At the Annual Dinners, young people get up and talk about their journeys. It’s amazing how they’ve changed their lives and had the strength and wherewithal to do it. Because it’s not easy. Get a job. Find a place. Find a partner.
They take on those challenges, and the Alliance helps them.
This conversation was first published in the Alliance for Children’s Rights 2025–26 Impact Report.
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Jessica's Journey:
From client to social worker to adoptive parent.
