 |
|
|---|---|
City Hearts Pacific Lodge Youth Services Established in 1923, Pacific Lodge Youth Services is a residential and highly specialized treatment facility for abandoned, abused, neglected, truant and delinquent boys, ages 13-17 years old, who have been placed there by the California Department of Probation and the Department of Children and Family Services. These boys have suffered repeated trauma and many have been victimized with emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Pacific Lodge has been awarded a $13,194.00 grant to create an Art Therapy Studio in order to integrate a range of art therapy opportunities into its existing mental health and educational curriculum. The boys' time in art therapy will give them an artistic voice through which they may appropriately convey emotions and their view of the world. They will have the opportunity to experiment with multiple media which will allow them to define themselves, compare their expressions with those of others and recognize the importance of individuality. Art therapy will result in actual products that the boys will see, feel, share and display. This self-created artwork sets it apart from other activities which may show their progress in more abstract and intangible ways. Research has determined the value of art therapy to the therapeutic process for adolescents with histories of abuse and neglect. As a result of participation in art therapy activities, it is anticipated that the boys will increase their capacity for self-expression, increase constructive interaction with peer youth, increase engagement and participation in therapeutic activities outside of art therapy, increase their capacity and willingness to communicate the messages of their artwork and verbalize secrets in order to help resolve past traumas, and reduce the incidence of residents who leave the program before they have full completion. The Rape Treatment Center Founded in 1974, the Rape Treatment Center (RTC) is nationally recognized for its pioneering work on behalf of rape victims and sexually abused children and its exemplary treatment, prevention, and education programs. The RTC mission is to provide free expert, comprehensive, and compassionate care for child and adult victims of rape and sexual abuse 24 hours a day, including highly specialized emergency medical treatment and forensic examinations, crisis intervention, long-term professional counseling, advocacy, accompaniment, information and referral, and other support services. The Rape Treatment Center will use our grant of $20,000.00 to purchase 2 state-of-the-art, high definition digital recording systems to enhance their ability to diagnose, document, and treat traumatic injuries in sexually abused children. High definition photographic evidence enables jurors to see the physical realities of sexual abuse trauma. In addition, providing visible evidence of sexual abuse can, in some cases, help resolve criminal prosecutions earlier in the process, saving the child from the added stress and trauma that is sometimes associated with testimony in court. Successful prosecutions not only protect the child who has been victimized; but may also prevent other children in our community from being sexually assaulted by the same offenders. Venice Family Clinic With the mission to provide free, quality health care to people in need, Venice Family Clinic is the largest free medical clinic in the nation. The Irma Colen Health Center in Mar Vista is one of their seven clinical sites and serves mostly families in a high crime/low income area. They will use our grant of $10,714.78 to purchase two pieces of hearing screening equipment, because children in this community don't have access to additional hearing screenings after birth. Because 66% of children's hearing impairment is missed at newborn evaluations or develops unnoticed by school age, this equipment will provide a vital service to children in need. The first piece of equipment will be used for otoacoustic emissions testing which permits early detection of inner ear abnormalities associated with a wide variety of diseases and disorders such as vertigo, making it difficult to enjoy normal childhood activities like walking to school or playing sports. The second item is a tympanometer and will be used to detect middle ear disorders. Tympanometry is a test in which sound and air pressure are used to check for fluid in the middle ear which, if undetected, may cause a delay in proper speech and language development, making it difficult for these kids to keep up with peers at school, or may even cause brain abscesses. Early identification of deafness and hearing loss will enable the children to obtain treatment and therapy from specialists and experts, thereby enhancing their quality of life. It will also make it more likely that technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants will enable a child to learn in mainstream educational programs. WriteGirl WriteGirl started 10 years ago to promote creativity and self-expression, empowering girls within a community of professional women writers. WriteGirl pairs at-risk teen girls, ages 13-18, with professional women writers for a nine-month season of one-on-one mentoring, workshops, public readings and publications. WriteGirl fosters active participation from ethnically and economically diverse girls and women from greater LA including Rampart, Inglewood, Crenshaw and East LA thereby providing a powerful inter-cultural exchange. They offer an integrated and comprehensive program that presents literacy education, leadership development, college preparation, communication and job skills development. Women Helping Youth has granted WriteGirl $14,335.54 to create a College Preparatory and Creative Writing Lab within their office space. Items to equip the Lab include: reference books and online subscriptions that support creative writing and the college application process; office furnishings, including shelving, lamps, a work desk and seating; dedicated computers for the teen girls; and a SMART whiteboard system with projector and camera. The cutting-edge SMART Board technology combines the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer. This will create an engaging and interactive workspace that will enhance learning outcomes. The WriteGirl Program is specifically designed to give girls the individualized guidance and educational support they lack. It will further this goal by providing a safe and encouraging environment where girls can research colleges and move through the decision-making process, get immediate help filling out applications and receive assistance with required application essays. The lab will provide tools for mentors to assist teens in editing their creative writing and enable teens to help plan WriteGirl activities, furthering their leadership development. Using technology and interactivity will allow WriteGirl mentors to work more effectively with the girls, encouraging their participation and enhancing their overall computer literacy.
826LA
www.camplaurel.org  Founded in 1993, Camp Laurel is
committed to providing educational and support programs for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. They serve approximately 450 children per year, ages 3-17, through their camping programs, which are free to all participants. Their grant for $5,439.80 will fund the purchase of 4 medical carts, 5 medical bags, 4 stethoscopes, 3 otoscopes and 2 electric thermometers. As soon as campers arrive, they must each have a physical examination performed by medical staff. An organized, equipped cart will help document medical conditions of campers in a streamlined, efficient manner and will be easily accessed at any time by any medical volunteer. The equipment has an estimated life-span of 12-15. Camp Laurel offers a medically and physically safe, structured environment within which campers can test their perceived limits. The staff builds self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence in the children, in addition to teaching them how to live in a cooperative environment. The children try new activities, develop knowledge of nature and share a bond with other children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Being away from family and meeting the challenge of a new environment fosters self-confidence and independence and creates an atmosphere where children can forget about their illness or the illness of a family member and enjoy life. Camp offerings include a winter weekend family camp, a leadership/survival challenge, a teen adventure camp, and a summer camp. In addition, there are several 1-day camps throughout the year for kids and their families.Five Acres www.fiveacres.org Five Acres received a $16,875.00 grant to restore their pool in order to comply with city requirements. Started as an orphanage in 1888, Five Acres now serves severely emotionally disturbed, abused and neglected children through a variety of programs and services. Education, treatment and recreation are provided within a safe, stable and controlled environment. 130 children live in the Residential Treatment Center, most often suffering from multiple foster homes. By the time they get to Five Acres, most are trying to hurt themselves or others. Half of the residents are able to go to the local public schools. For the others, there is a school on campus that caters to their special needs. Children from the community who need a special school can enroll in Five Acres’ school. From the greater community, 1000+ children and their families receive non-residential services. In addition to academics, Five Acres offers therapeutic swimming, art, music, cooking, outdoor play, and specialized movement. The swimming program is valuable for teaching children how to swim, overcome their fear of water and advancing their abilities so they gain confidence in this and many other life skills. Free swim is also offered daily to all residents. Releasing stress and emotional strain in a healthy manner such as sports, including swimming, is a therapeutic tool at Five Acres. It is expected that the current renovation will last for 40 years and serve 130 children per year, which represents 6,600 days of fun, therapy and education for 5,240 of Los Angeles County’s most vulnerable and deserving children. Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) www.heartofla.org  HOLA is using their $6,832.32 grant for two distinct yet
interconnected projects. Part of the money will be used to purchase
audio/visual equipment which will build the capacity of their current
performing arts and filmmaking programs and enhance special events
like sport celebrations, athletic tournaments, banquets, artist
speaker series and family gatherings. The
equipment (2 projectors, 2 screens, 1 portable sound system, 2 DVD
players, 1 small TV) will be mobile so that it can be used throughout
their buildings and will impact over 1,300 youth each year. HOLA will
also purchase 6 sewing machines which will be used to teach a
skill/trade, as well as to sew costumes and accessories for
performances. Participants will learn the fundamentals of sewing from
staff and parent volunteers who work in the garment industry, thus
engaging children with their parents. In the first year alone, 48
students will take sewing classes and an additional 150 youth will
benefit from the costumes these students make. Since 1989, HOLA has
served children of the Rampart community with programs in academics,
the arts and athletics with the mission of empowering and advancing
the lives of inner-city youth. Their primary objective is to ensure
that young people are eligible and prepared for post-secondary
education. The campus is located adjacent to Lafayette Park and serves
1,300 children per year, ages 6 to 19. It is an oasis in the most
densely populated neighborhood in LA, heavily impacted by drug
trafficking, violent crimes and home to ten different local gangs.
HOLA recognizes that success for these children begins with a strong
fundamental foundation in the elementary and middle school years,
followed by essential guidance and support throughout high school.
HOLA is unique in the quality of instruction and individual attention
they provide for each student. Their after school programs transform
the lives of youth with highly effective social and academic
development programs. HOLA provides children with urgently needed
resources that address the gaping holes at school. HOLA’s two major
feeder high schools have graduation rates below 50%. However, in the
last two years, 100% of HOLA’s seniors have graduated and matriculated
into college programs. House of Ruth www.houseofruth.org  House of Ruth, a multi-service agency that provides shelter, and social services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, has been awarded $21,162.88 for the purchase of a play structure. Founded in 1977, there are two shelter programs serving approximately 190 children and their mothers per year. While at the emergency or transitional shelter, these women and children can safely hide from their abuser because home is not the safest place to be. At House of Ruth, they can escape the fear and chaos of a violent home life. While in their care, House of Ruth makes children feel valued, deserving, and safe emotionally, as well as physically. Mothers are encouraged to spend time playing with their children in order to create a positive bond and happy memories. Many of these mothers have never interacted with their children in a play environment. An updated, refurbished play environment would offset the effects of what can be a difficult transition adjusting to life at the shelter. This project will also dramatically improve and enhance the shelter’s recreational setting. The playground renovation project aims to provide a safe and stimulating play environment where children can be free to explore, imagine, play and learn to socialize with other children who share their experiences. Through play and social time, these children will develop skills so they can succeed in broader areas of life. Upward Bound House www.upwardboundhouse.org  For over a decade, Upward Bound House has provided housing and supportive services for up to one year to homeless children and their families at their transitional living home called Family Place, in Santa Monica. Family homelessness is a regional issue in Los Angeles with over 10,000 homeless children, nearly 8,000 living in places unfit for human habitation. Homeless families are typically less visible than chronically homeless adults. In response to this crisis and in its efforts to eliminate homelessness among families with children, Upward Bound House is expanding by opening an emergency facility in Culver City. Family Shelter will serve up to 72 families per year, representing an opportunity to help approximately 140 homeless children per year. The facility is located in a strong community where families can re-integrate into productive lives. UBH will use our $16,767.00 grant to purchase 18 bunk beds and 36 mattresses because all children deserve a bed to sleep in at night. The bunk beds were specifically selected to stand up to hard use and provide excellent value, including storage drawers beneath the lower bunk. Rather than looking institutional, they are cozy wooden beds that will welcome children every night as a safe place to sleep. There will be 18 units at Family Shelter in which families can stay a maximum of 90 days. Each family will live in a private unit that has a front door that locks. Each unit is located in a secure facility, staffed by caring professionals. Case managers will work intensively to stabilize each family and identify the next step in their transition to self-sufficient housing. Professionals will provide educational classes and psychologists will provide counseling. During the school year, every child will be enrolled in school and provided with individual academic support. Every adult will be working or enrolled in vocational training. All children will have access to counseling, life skills classes, a computer and health facilities. Most importantly, every family will be together.
Access Books www.accessbooks.net  Access Books is the recipient of a $30,480.00 grant, which will be used to update and refurbish 2 inner-city school libraries. The schools will each receive at least 3,000 new books, a new sofa and rocking chair and a new area rug. In addition, the libraries will be repainted with child-friendly murals. Started in 1999, Access Books is based on the premise that in order to learn by reading, a child must have something to read. Research has validated the close correlation that exists between successful reading and the number of books in school libraries. In fact, the size of the school library collection is the best predictor of academic achievement. Among school and community predictors of academic achievement, the size of the school library collection and staff is second only to the absence of poverty. The more books children have access to in their school libraries, the more they will read. The goal of Access Books is to provide high interest, enjoyable reading materials to underserved children in Los Angeles in a warm, welcoming school library. They choose schools to receive their services where at least 90% of the student body is living in poverty, the average number of books per child is six or less, libraries have been neglected and little or no funding is received from other sources. Each new library becomes a vital resource for educators and idle space becomes a bustling hub of interested, engaged students. By creating this type of environment and providing literacy opportunities for underserved children, Women Helping Youth hopes that these youth will find joy in reading, which will in turn increase their academic opportunities.Los Angeles Youth Network www.layn.org  Los Angeles Youth Network helps abused, neglected and homeless adolescents ages 12-17 become self-sufficient, and has been awarded a $26,390.87 multi-use grant. The majority of the money, $23,758.13, will go toward the purchase of a passenger van, which will be used for street outreach. By taking the van out seven days a week for eight hours each day, the outreach team will make approximately 2,400 contacts per year, providing transportation to shelter for runaway and homeless youth, and delivering food, clothing, shoes, hygiene kits, blankets and outreach brochures. Through outreach, LAYN builds relationships with the kids in the hopes of getting them off the streets and into one of their three transitional homes. Part of the balance of the grant will be used to take all 40 residents of LAYN’s three transitional homes to Disneyland for the day. The remaining funds will be used to purchase senior packages for each of the five seniors who are graduating high school this year. It will include prom tickets, prom wear, prom pictures, senior class pictures and a senior class ring. Graduation is a huge accomplishment for these children who, despite having been homeless, are all continuing on to higher education. At LAYN they understand that in order for their youth to develop into healthy successful adults, a transitional living program that provides a stable, consistent living environment is crucial. It is because of this understanding that they have the highest success rate of any such program in the country, with 80% of their kids exiting the program going on to live successfully off the streets.My Friend’s Place www.myfriendsplace.org  There are close to 13,000 homeless children living on the streets of Los Angeles. My Friend’s Place helps these young people build self-sufficient lives. Founded in 1988, My Friend’s Place has grown to become the most visited drop-in center for homeless youth in Southern California and the only center in Hollywood that is open seven days a week. MFP will use our grant of $4,758.34 to purchase a Mac Design Station which will expand and deepen their transformative education workshops focusing on graphic design, art, music production and multi-media design/production. In one year, over 100 workshops utilizing the Design Station will be offered to over 200 homeless youth. It will create new opportunities for staff to build rapport and trust with participants, which is essential in moving towards self-sufficiency. The youth who participate in the workshops are more likely to access traditional case management services, including mental health therapy and employment/housing referrals. These young adults will gain some technical training that can help them in the job market. MFP is open to young adults 18–24, and last year 1,500 youth visited the center over 28,000 times, including 700 first-time visitors.Richstone Family Center (Transitional Living Program) www.richstonefamily.org  RichstoneFamily Center has been awarded a $4,995.25 grant in order to create a computer lab for their Transitional Living Program, which provides a safe and stable environment for young women ages 18-24, who have been emancipated from foster care and are learning to become self-sufficient members of society. Girls can stay in the house for up to two years and must attend school, work, save for a future apartment deposit, and adhere to rules regarding curfew and chores. The four computer stations will enable residents to more efficiently complete school/training assignments, fill out job applications and learn office skills. It will reduce the girls’ high levels of stress by having access to technology in the safety of their own home. Richstone is committed to the Transitional Living Program as part of their ongoing dedication to preventing child abuse and strengthening families since 1973.
Operation School Bell (A service of Assistance League of Southern California) www.operationschoolbell.org  Women Helping Youth has awarded $22,676.82 to
Operation School Bell for the purchase of a van. OSB provides new
clothing, shoes, and personal grooming items to children from families
with extreme need. Children living in poverty are often unable to
attend school regularly because basic school clothing has become a
luxury their parents cannot afford. Supplying them with appropriate
clothing removes the pressure of not having the right clothes to wear
to school, so the children are then free to concentrate on schoolwork
with a new level of self confidence. By providing this service,
consistent school attendance and academic achievement are encouraged,
thus helping these children escape the cycle of poverty. In addition
to their Hollywood facility, OSB has a mobile unit (OSB on Wheels)
that travels to schools within Los Angeles Unified School District in
order to distribute clothing.
The service van is being used as a
support unit, providing economical and efficient transportation of
stock between the main site and storage facility.The van will also be
loaded with extra stock to maintain a constant supply of essentials
when visiting the school sites, so no child leaves without everything
he/she needs. In anticipation of such efficiency, Operation School
Bell will increase the number of visits to schools from 14 to 17
sites, providing overall service to more than 2,200 children.Team Prime Time www.teamprimetime.org  Team Prime Time, a full-inclusion, peer mentor
after-school sports program that pairs special needs student
“athletes” with at-risk student “coaches” has been awarded a $5,726.53
grant. Team Prime Time requested jereys as a safety measure for the
children, grades K-12. Many of the athletes need constant supervision,
and jerseys help to immediately identify the Prime Time kids,
especially if there are other groups at the facility. The jerseys have
helped athletes identify their coaches and teams, bringing more
consistency to the environment, a significant component to a
population of children that functions best under these circumstances.
These jerseys make the coaches feel more important, more responsible
for their athletes, and more attached to the program as a whole, all
of which serve to increase self-esteem. Lastly, these jerseys make for
a more authentic sports environment and serve to unite the kids,
creating less of a distinction between “coach” and “athlete”. For
some, this is the first time they have ever played on a team or worn a
uniform. At the Team Prime Time Games, everyone wins.YWCA Santa Monica/Westside Housing and Education Program www.smywca.org/housing.html  The
YWCA Santa Monica/Westside Housing and Education Program will use
our $8,601.36 grant to purchase new computers and appliances for
their home. The YWCA Santa Monica/Westside has a residential
facility for former foster girls. When they reach 18, these young
women are considered emancipated and are often kicked out of their
homes, with
no place to go and no family to help them. At the Housing and
Education Program, the girls
are provided a safe place to live, food, social support, and
services for up to 2 ½ years while they attend school, work part
time, save for their future, and attend life skills classes. All the
residents are between 18 and 22, and reflect the many diverse ethnic
groups living in Los Angeles. The focus of the program is education
and residents are guided and encouraged to obtain experience
necessary to live successfully on their own. New appliances will
support the operation of a well functioning home and the computers
will provide a necessary study/work room, with full internet access. |
|
Women Helping Youth
15332 Antioch Street #36 Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 info@womenhelpingyouth.org HOME | IN THE NEWS | ABOUT W.H.Y. | JOIN US | EVENTS APPLY FOR A GRANT | GUIDELINES | PRE-APPLICATION | GRANT RECIPIENTS | CONTACT US
Copyright © 2006 by Women Helping Youth. All Rights Reserved. |
|
and communities through their two Los Angeles based
sites. 98% of drop-in students are from low-income families and come
from communities that would not otherwise have access to the free
resources they offer. 70-100 children, ages 6 to 18, attend the Echo
Park and Venice drop-in tutoring centers after school every day.
Rooted in the conviction that teaching is most effective when it is
centered on the execution of a project, student-published books are
central to this program and all publications are printed, copied, and
bound on site. 
The Women Helping Youth grant for $17,997.02 will fund 2 new copiers and 2 new binding machines, one of each for each of
their two sites. As their old machines are outdated, frequently break
down and ruin projects, this new equipment will make all of their
programs possible. By producing higher quality publications and
conserving resources, each child will walk away with a
professional-looking product, feeling the pride and confidence that
comes from creating something from start to finish. At 826LA, students
learn to respect their work, the creative process, and themselves.
They learn to honor all of their ideas by writing them down, no matter
how silly or impossible they may seem. They work alongside adults who
help them push through resistance and doubt, mastering the craft of
writing. They learn that everyone has the right to learn, create and
share their ideas. With a goal to publish 3,000 chapbooks per year,
826LA is dedicated to supporting students with their creative and
expository writing skills. 
Established in 1978, The Center for the
Partially Sighted is recognized as a premier low vision rehabilitation
center and will use our grant of $18,199.00 for their Pediatric Low
Vision Program. They will purchase portable equipment including 2
computerized vision assessment charts, 1 set of teller acuity cards
and 1 computerized auto-refractor and carrying case. Together, the
equipment will rapidly measure clarity of sight in infants and
non-verbal children, including those with special needs and autism.
This grant will improve examination efficiency, greatly increasing the
number of children impacted. The exams will enable the doctors to
rapidly test for eye muscle balance, depth perception, color vision,
contrast vision and the need for glasses. Vision impairment among
infants and young students can significantly affect development and
academic progress, and delay developmental milestones by as much as
2-3 years. The early diagnosis of vision problems among children is
vital, because the first seven years of life is the critical period
during which vision develops. If diagnosed early, eye disease, the
need for glasses, crossed eyes, and lazy eyes can be treated
successfully. A minimum of 250 off-site examinations each year, for a
minimum of three years, will be provided to under-insured or uninsured
children at pre-schools, schools and local clinics, and the equipment
will provide 500 exams each year at the center’s Eagle Rock office.
The children to be served are particularly needy, coming from families
with very low incomes, and with the purchase of specialized screening
equipment, free vision examinations will be provided to a population
that does not have access to vision care nor the transportation to get
to a doctor. 
LACER has been awarded an $18,498.86 grant to purchase musical
instruments for the music component of their arts and literacy-based
after-school program. LACER’s goal is the improvement of the
educational environment and opportunities for 10-18 year olds in
under-funded schools in the Hollywood area and they are currently in 4
high schools and 2 middle schools. They provide a safe haven from
surrounding gang activity by offering free arts classes, after school
homework assistance, math and reading programs and computer classes.
The music classes are aligned with State Standards for the Visual and
Performing Arts and serve socially and economically at-risk youth in
schools where there is a severe deficiency in arts education. Students
can participate for 7 consecutive years, learning to play 2-3
instruments each, and each year ends with a culminating musical
concert at an exciting venue like House of Blues, as well as various
school campuses. LACER’s grant will provide 30 electric guitars, 30
acoustic guitars, 30 bass guitars, 18 drum sets and 5 keyboards. With
an expanded instrument inventory, music instruction and performance
opportunities will be increased. The number of students served will
increase to over 360 per year, as will students’ practice time. In
addition to increasing students’ music skills and performance ability,
learning to play an instrument increases reading and writing
proficiency and collaborative learning. 