The Leo Buscaglia Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to H.E.L.P. for its "Listen, Then Help" program.

In making the announcement this week, Ed Long, H.E.L.P. Executive Director, expressed appreciation to the foundation for its generosity in supporting H.E.L.P.'s programs to assist adults with care, legal and financial issues and much more. "Dr. Buscaglia's message of love and respect for all people," Long said, "is very much in keeping with our own commitment, so the Foundation's gift is singularly appropriate."

The Leo Buscaglia Foundation "looks toward the welfare of others and the community… and makes grants where the spirit of giving is passed on through the recipient of the organization's assistance, teaching or care," according its board. Their website is www.leobuscaglia.org.

The late Dr. Buscaglia taught at USC, where he introduced an immensely popular course called "Love 1A," which found its way to PBS. A popular author as well, more than 11 million copies of his books had been purchased by the time of his heart attack in 1998.

H.E.L.P.'s "Listen, Then Help" program is an information, advice and service referral program in response to telephone, walk-in, website and written inquiries.

H.E.L.P. is an award-winning Torrance, California -based non-profit education and counseling center providing impartial information to older adults and families on elder care, law, finances and more. Since its inception in 1996, it has helped thousands of individuals, couples and families. Its services include public classes, private consultations, publications and telephone and Internet assistance. H.E.L.P. is located at 1404 Cravens Avenue, Torrance, California 90501. The phone number is (310) 533-1996, and the Internet addresses are www.help4srs.org, www.annuitytruth.org and www.better-endings.org.