L.A. Works Hotline

We've Moved Blogs!!!

2011-03-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

To make volunteering as easy and accessible as possible, we've updated our website technology... now, L.A. Works' website has a whole new look, feel, and functionality. All our blog posts are updated in real-time on our new website (still at www.LAWorks.com). However, this feature wasn't compatible with blogspot so we had to switch over to wordpress. You can find our new blog at http://laworksnow.wordpress.com!!

L.A. Works Service Awards

2011-02-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

As a nod to the Oscars in our own backyard, L.A. Works is calling for nominations of our volunteer community’s own… before February 25th, post on facebook or email the name of your nominee and reason for why they deserve the service oscar for the following categories:
* best actor/actress in a leading role (project leaders),
* best actor/actress in a supporting role (volunteer participants), and
* best picture (community partner organization).

We’ll announce the winners in our March newsletter (winners will receive a free sweet courtesy of the Corner Bakery)!

HOT 92.3 FM PSA for MLK Jr. Day of Service

2010-12-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

L.A. Works MLK Jr. Day PSA by debbie-1
Josefa Salinas recorded this spot airing on HOT 92.3 FM to promote MLK Jr Day!! Listen for it in January!!! Thanks, HOT 92.3 for your generosity and support.

Used Laptop Computer & Elementary School Book Drive (until MLK Day)

2010-12-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

Because many computers in the Rosemont Elementary School classrooms do not work well, the teachers are unable to include technology in their curriculum. They would like to incorporate laptops in their classrooms to use for classroom instruction and student use. On MLK Jr. Day of Service, volunteer corporate IT team will assess the laptops during the event and install as many as possible in each classroom. Unused laptops will be recycled.

We are also doing a book drive for MLK Jr. Day. The books should be appropriate for elementary school aged children (used or new). Corporate volunteers will sort, prepare and set up a “free book store” which will remain on campus after the event.

If you would like to donate your used laptop or books for elementary school-aged children, L.A. Works is accepting donation prior to January 12. We're not able to arrange for any pick-ups but you can contact us at 323-224-6510 to arrange for a good time to drop off these items to our office. We're located just north of Downtown, convenient to the 5 and 110 freeways. If you are participating in MLK Jr. Day of Service with L.A. Works, you can bring your donation then as well. THANK YOU!!!

December Volunteer Spotlight: Duncan McLean

2010-12-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

Just this year Duncan McLean joined L.A. Works' volunteer movement. The intention to volunteer had been in the back of his mind for years, so when a project crossed his browser this summer, he decided to take the plunge. Searching L.A. Works' webpage was perfect for what Duncan was looking for… although he candidly admits he didn’t know exactly what that was. "But I knew I wanted to test the water." He felt confident that he could find a few hours in his weekend, and now was as good a time to get started as any.

The first project Duncan checked out was the Ballona Wetlands Restoration. With a positive experience under his belt, he then took on Food Sorting at the LA Regional Foodbank, Adventures with Apes at the Gibbon Conservation Center, Angeles Forest Restoration, and Furry Fun at Friends of Animals Foundation. Although Duncan found it particularly appealing that there isn't a big time commitment to volunteer through L.A. Works, and that he could take each experience on a trial basis, he has returned to several of these projects and now volunteers weekly at Friends of Animals. "The dogs are just so excited to go out for a walk. It's sort of my thing now," he told us.

Duncan was so pleased to come across our organization that whenever he volunteers on a new project, he tells his friends about it on his Facebook page, “Not to say ‘Look at what a good dude I am’ but to help spread the word and maybe inspire my friends who’ve also thought about volunteering but haven’t done it yet. Just to show how easy, fun and rewarding it can be." Duncan continues to volunteer because he likes to be able to get "outside my own world" which includes producing and editing television documentaries and docu-reality series. When asked what keeps him busy when he’s not working, he shared, "I enjoy hiking, reading and watching movies." After pausing a moment, he added, "And now I can add volunteering to the list!"

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Poon

2010-10-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

Karen Poon is one of our most active and versatile Project Leaders. Karen has volunteered at 16 different L.A. Works managed projects and frequently supports us at events, committee meetings and social gatherings!! Karen is most committed to working with young people. As the leader of the Crafts with Kids @ Gramercy Place project, Karen contributes her smiling, easy-going leadership style along with fun and creative activities for youth and volunteers alike.

Below are some questions that Karen has kindly answered for us – thanks so much Karen!

1) Where were you born?
I was born in Hong Kong. I came to the U.S. for college when I was 16.

2) Most interesting fact about you?
I’m a big golf fan! I wanted to pursue a career in golf course management before I came to the U.S. I ended up playing college tennis for two years before transferring to USC.

3) Favorite thing about the project you lead?
The kids at Gramercy Place and Angel Guardian are amazing! Their smiles make my day. The kids look forward to meeting new volunteers

because they want to meet new people and learn from them. On the other hand, I look forward to seeing these kids because they have so much energy and great ideas to share with the group!

4) Top tip for leading volunteers in a project?
Be prepared :) I always bring extra supplies, just in case more kids or volunteers show up. Also, I always have a second plan, just in case some kids want to do something else.

FUNdraiser Action Tip Sheet

2010-09-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Volunteer and Go Out More with L.A. Works and Goldstar!

About this partnership

L.A. Works and Goldstar both strive to build community by providing fun opportunities to be active - easy and accessible! This FUNdraising opportunity for L.A. Works will be most successful if it goes viral… but that can only happen with your support! Invite your friends, family and co-workers across the country to get access to half-priced tickets in 13 metro cities nationwide! (Boston, Chicago, DC Metro, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle.)

Our goal:

$3,000

3 months

$3 donations by Goldstar/member (FREE membership)

How YOU CAN HELP us reach this goal:

Sign yourself up (Free)

Join Goldstar for free and Goldstar will make a $3 donation to L.A. Works. Plus, they will give you an instant $5 credit to use toward your first purchase. Goldstar offers half-price tickets to theater, concerts, pro sports, comedy, family attractions and more! www.goldstar.com/support/laworks

Tweet it

Learn about 1/2-priced tickets to sports, music, and events while supporting L.A. Works' volunteers in LA! More @ http://tinyurl.com/2b43mjy

Post on your Facebook page

Learn about half-priced tickets to sports, music, and events while supporting L.A. Works, an organization that I care a lot about! More about this FREE FUNdraiser @ www.goldstar.com/support/laworks.

Send a message to your friends (Facebook/email)

Learn about fun events and half-priced tickets to sports, music and events while supporting a cause that I care a lot about! Join Goldstar for FREE and they’ll donate to L.A. Works for each new member on www.goldstar.com/support/laworks. L.A. Works channels the city's enormous volunteer power into an organized network, building the volunteer capacity of hundreds of nonprofits!! Please pass this message along to help us build awareness of this FUNdraiser – relevant for 13 metro areas nationwide! Thank you!!

Post on works' intranet, share in the e-newsletter and meetings

Check out this easy opportunity to learn about fun events and half-priced tickets to sports, music and family attractions, while supporting volunteers in Los Angeles! Join Goldstar for FREE and they’ll donate $3.00 to L.A. Works per new membership referral on www.goldstar.com/support/laworks. L.A. Works channels the city's enormous volunteer power into an organized network, building the volunteer capacity of hundreds of nonprofits that impact pressing issues like education/literacy, environmental sustainability, health, HIV/AIDS hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, elder care and animal welfare.

Put it in your email signature

Join Goldstar and Build your Community! Goldstar will donate $3 to L.A. Works for every person who signs up (for FREE) @ https://www.goldstar.com/support/laworks

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!

and don't forget...Volunteer and Go Out More with L.A. Works and Goldstar!

Dale Carnegie Training - Partners with L.A. Works!!

2010-09-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dale Carnegie Training is generously supporting the L.A. community by extending skills-building development courses to L.A. Works' volunteers and staff. We are excited to join their programs that offer people the knowledge, skills, and practices they need to add value to the organization.

Dale Carnegie Training partners with small to large for-profit and non-profit organizations (as well as individuals), to produce measurable business results by improving the performance of people with emphasis on leadership, sales, team member engagement, customer service, presentations, process improvement and other essential management skills. Recently identified by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top 25 high-performing franchises, Dale Carnegie Training programs are available throughout the entire United States in more than 80 countries and are available in more than 30 languages. Dale Carnegie Training includes as its clients 400 of the Fortune 500 companies. Approximately 8 million people have experienced the benefits of Dale Carnegie Training.

Keep an eye out for more information and details on this partnership in the coming months!!! More about Dale Carnegie @ Dale Carnegie LA

Volunteer Spotlight: Brian Dolen

2010-08-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder who designed L.A. Works Day 2010's volunteer t-shirt, poster, and summer artwork? Meet Brian Dolen, a graphic designer and photographer who generously donates his time and creativity to the organization’s aesthetics. He also runs and contributes to southlandtopology.com, a blog covering the outdoors, fitness and food. We caught up with Brian to learn a little more about his commitment to volunteerism, and his passion for camping and snowboarding. Notably, he has photographed for Kia Motors, Burton Snowboards, Epic Records, and Vapors Magazine.

Brian Dolen Interview by L.A. Works' intern Hestia Ragan Rojas

Is there a specific cause that you are passionate about and advocate for?
Other than L.A. Works, I contribute to two very important organizations. The Sierra Club, whose stickers you may have seen on peoples cars, and Trout Unlimited. Personally, I like that the Sierra Club has a holistic approach to advocacy. They organize small grassroots programs and huge undertakings at the same time. I think a strategy like that is what it will take to move the needle towards a more responsible global situation. Trout Unlimited is a non-profit dedicated to the conservation of freshwater habitats for fish. I support TU because I love to fish, but also because their tactics involve both saving the streams and changing the environmental legislature. I also like TU because it isn’t a bunch of green flag waving hippies trying to save some fish. It is a group of well respected people from all political parties who understand how important our fresh water aquafers are to the entire ecosystem.

Why do you think it’s important for professionals, like yourself, to volunteer in their free time?
I think it is important for everyone to volunteer in his or her free time. Especially if they are lucky enough to have time that is free! Once upon a time things like this were not even considered volunteering or advocacy. Doing the right thing and helping others was just the right thing to do all the time. A community grows together, works together and lives together to better the lives of everyone in it. That is why I like working with L.A. works, when I drive home from work I can see first hand the good they have done in my neighborhood.

How did you get started in photography and graphic design? Do you have any advice for those who wish to pursue a similar career path?
I was very lucky to have parents that supported artistic endeavors from a very early age. I do not know if I showed some kind of toddler talent or if they just threw me in art classes, but I can not remember a time when I thought I would grow up to do anything else. My advice would be just to do it, work it, live it all the time. The beauty of this day and age is that you do not need to depend on anyone else to create and promote your work. This also means you have no one else to blame when things are not going great. Make a blog, submit to other sites, do tons of work for charity and people will find you.

Your professional creative skills benefit L.A. Works immensely. Any other thoughts on how creative people can be of service?
It is pretty easy to donate time, especially in the creative services. I may not be able to work with kids on a mural for half a day on a Saturday, but I sure can squeeze in a few hours here or there for some poster or t-shirt layouts. I say just do it once. The feeling you will get when you see photos of how you helped is pretty darn good!

What’s fun about designing a t-shirt, poster or billboard for a volunteer action center?
Well, that is tricky. It is fun when you have the freedom to do anything with the design, and with volunteer work you usually do. Sometimes you have to squeeze a few too many logos in or make the logo bigger, but you just have to remember that these small sacrifices in the design help the organization raise more money and that is the overall goal.

According to your website, you really enjoy camping. What is your most memorable camping experience?
I have so many! I think each one has a special place, but there is one from my youth that we still talk about. It was a group trip, lots of Dads and lots of kids. To preface my Pops has a wicked sweet tooth. I have seen that guy house a whole bag of Chips Ahoy Cookies in a sitting. The kids were off goofing around and the Dads were around the fire shooting the “*#@!.” We had a bag of cookies on the picnic table when we left, but when we came back for them, they were gone. My brother and I immediately blamed our Dad, to which he proclaimed a raccoon came out of nowhere and ate all the cookies. To this day he is sticking to his story and we continue to blame him. We are all headed out for a family trip to Idaho soon, perhaps I will bait him with a bag and see what happens now!

Thanks for the interview and keep up the amazing work at L.A. Works!
To learn more about how you can contribute your professional skill or passion to L.A. Works, please contact reena@laworks.com

Brian showcases his photography at http://www.briandolen.com/.

L.A. Works Day 2010 - A Great Success!!!

2010-07-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the 18^th Annual L.A. Works Day, over 750 volunteers revitalized the historic neighborhood of Cypress Park on Saturday, June 12^th. The community-building project included beautifying three neighborhood schools, landscaping and removing graffiti from storefronts on the main Figueroa corridor, and painting a community mural on the side of the local coffee shop, Antigua.

Presenting sponsor Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems' Keith Burton emceed the day, with the kick-of program including speakers: Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, First District, and Rafael González, Chief Service Officer, Office of the Mayor and Donna Bojarsky and Bob Johnson, Co-founders and Co-chairs of L.A. Works, and Michelle Scarpella, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Vice President.

After volunteering, participants enjoyed a performance by Gustavo Galindo, a passionate singer/songwriter signed with Surco/Univeral Latino, live community mural painted by Executive Art Director and co-founder of Mictlan Murals, Raul Gonzalez, and a delicious and healthy lunch, compliments of Cinnamon Vegetarian Restaurant/Viana-Tofutown. Additionally, community and volunteers participated in a resource fair where they learned about nonprofit resources and services available in the neighborhood and greater city of Los Angeles.

"On behalf of Aragon Avenue School, I would like to thank [L.A. Works] for your generous gift of volunteers, supplies, and Dodger tickets! Your commitment to helping students in our community is sincerely appreciated. Each year Aragon Avenue School continues to advance its mission of educating students to their highest potential. Through our programs at Aragon Avenue School we have seen many lives changed for the better," said Katie McGrath, principal Aragon Avenue Elementary School.

L.A. Works Day Statistics:

Thousands of children's spirits positively impacted by beautifying their schools
210 gallons of paint used
12 murals painted
1 freeway bridge painted
Over half a mile of interior school hallways painted
350 plants planted
2 benches constructed
100 mini murals painted by students/parents

For photos of the day: www.robnaplesphotography.com/laworks

Crystal Lake Campground Revitalization

2010-05-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

After natural disasters (fires and mudslides) struck in 2000, the Crystal Lake Campground in the Angeles National Forest was closed. Now, ten years later, this largest urban forest in the US is almost ready to be opened for public use once again... thanks to the hard work of L.A. Works volunteers from the Kehillat Israel temple in the Pacific Palisades. Nearly 50 youth and families trimmed trees, raked, cleared campsites, and painted picnic tables for the weekend, and the result was over 75 sites are now ready for use when Caltrans ensures the safety of the road leading to the campground and the Forest Service opens the park.
For more pictures, check out the album on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/laworks

Earth Day last week already???

2010-04-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

Wow. Almost a whole week gone since Earth Day. Time really flies when you're... working too much? :-) I'm sure you all can relate. Last week I had the opportunity to volunteer my morning and participate in LA Works Earth Day Park clean up event in Elysian Park by Dodger Stadium. I'm sure most of you reading this are aware of the financial difficulties our city is having with the budget. Parks and Recreation have taken a hit. There aren't enough workers to cover all the parks in the city anymore. Overgrowing brush, weeds, graffiti and garbage will unfortunately begin to overrun these areas without people like us pitching in to keep 'em clean. Now you say "I just don't have the time" or "I don't go to parks" and my personal favorite "That's why I pay that stupid city tax I've never had to pay anywhere else I've ever lived!". I get it. Here's an idea. Go to your employer and see if they'll sponsor a volunteer morning. See if you can get 'em to give you a morning off for you and some co-workers to come help out at an LA Works event. Good publicity for them and you get the morning off. I meet two groups just like this on last Thursday, one from Bloomberg and the other from AMC Theaters. Enough hot air from me. I'm preaching to the choir if you're reading this site. I volunteer for totally selfish reasons. I feel good when I do, I meet new people and I get to say I'm part of the solution (which give me the right to complain when there's a problem :-) Spread the word to your friends and family. Be the solution.

A Toast to a Great Match! - taste delicious Spanish wines and dishes while helping out a good cause

2010-04-22T21:19:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, May 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at SLS Hotel, Wines from Spain, will partner with L.A. Works for its 17^th annual Great Match: Vivacious Varietals.Tantalizing Tastes tasting tour. Eight of the Los Angeles-area’s most notable restaurants, including THE BAZAAR at SLS by José Andrés, will prepare signature tapas designed to show the versatility of Spanish wines with many styles of cuisine. Guests will have the opportunity to taste more than 130 current release wines, highlighting Spain’s indigenous varietals.

And the sweetest part? Ticket proceeds from the Great Match will benefit L.A. Works, Los Angeles' premier volunteer action center that empowers Angelenos to address pressing social issues through volunteerism and community collaborations.

Make Great Match a date night or a much deserved night out on the town with your friends or co-workers! To experience a sensory and delicious evening benefiting L.A. Works, visit www.greatmatch.org to purchase $45 tickets.

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

2010-04-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched...but felt in the heart."

--Helen Keller

On April 18th, L.A. Works brought together volunteer project leaders and dedicated volunteers for a picnic as a thank you during Volunteer Appreciation Week 2010. For national volunteer appreciation week, we would like to recognize all of our volunteers who have spent time mentoring, tutoring, and visiting with at-risk children, painting and revitalizing our schools and community centers, caring for animals, visiting with the elderly, planting, gardening, trail maintenance, increasing accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and so much more. Your heart, commitment, time, and efforts are truly priceless to Los Angeles. For more pictures, check out the album on our Facebook Fan page!

BusinessWorks event with Everything Channel at Dayton Heights Elementary School

2010-04-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

GetLA and VOTE for your favorite!

2010-03-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

L.A. Works and Los Angeles Magazine have selected eight finalists from the many we received for the Get LA film competition. The videos are up on the LA Magazine website, click here to vote for your favorite short film to help one filmmaker win the Audience Selection award.

WE Connect -- volunteer to help over 10,000 Angelenos

2010-03-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

L.A. Works will be recruiting, managing, and coordinating over 500 volunteers to serve more than 10,000 at-risk Angelinos at Maria Shriver's WE Connect Event on March 26-28. The WE Connect event will connect families with the information and tools they need to take full advantage of valuable resources, empowering them to live their dreams.

In addition to L.A. Works, partners for the day include the United Way to provide free tax preparation, the Legal Aid Society of Orange County to provide foreclosure and loss mitigation counseling, the L.A. Regional Foodbank to distribute food, and the Employment Development Department with job search and resume assistance. Click here if you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this event.

The WE Connect event has a special need for EMT-certified volunteers. If you are EMT-certified and want to get involved with this important event, please contact Gil Gonzales.

Civic Participation

2010-03-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

By participating in the whole of community life, in both action and civic dialogue, volunteers have the power to magnify their local and global impact. L.A. Works encourages all of our volunteers to build upon their service experience through education, conversation, and advocacy. An L.A. Works volunteer created the following Social Issue Briefs as a resource to provide brief introductions to the issues, relevant federal, state, and local policy, suggestions on where to learn more on the issue, and bi-partisan civic engagement tools on how to share your voice to the cause. Please peruse these documents and visit this page again soon too see additional briefs, ideas, and initiatives as we work to grow this resource for you.

The briefs will be available on L.A. Works website shortly but for now can be viewed:

Environment
Education
Animals

More briefs to be posted soon... homelessness... aging/elderly...

And what would you like to see? Share your thoughts/comments here!

Let's Read, Westside - OLYMPICS session

2010-02-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

At the first Let's Read, Westside session... We had 12 kids and about 16 volunteers, including Beth and me. The theme of the session was the Winter Olympics. To start off the session I read aloud Curious George in the Snow to the kids. From there the kids picked out a book and a volunteer to read with one-on-one. After about 45 minutes, the kids returned to the room for snack (apple slices and cheese and crackers). We then had the kids make gold medals by painting cardboard circles with yellow paint (pictured, above). While those were drying the kids made Olympic torches out of paper and red/yellow/orange tissue paper and Olympic flags. Jared and Rashidi are pictured here (below) and there are more photos posted on our facebook page!

~ Aaron Perez, Co-Project Leader, Let's Read - Westside

Let's Read - Aaron Perez shares why he's involved and encourages you to join him!

2010-02-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

Let's Read - Westside is a multi-week program designed to provide the youth of Nora Sterry Elementary School and the surrounding community with the tools to help them achieve their dreams. Working individually and as a group, volunteers work with youth to strengthen their reading and comprehension skills and to show them that reading can be fun.

I found Let's Read back in September 2008 as I was browsing through the L.A. Works' postings for a program that worked with children, specifically in education. After my first session, where I read and played board games with some really cool kids, I knew the program was perfect for me. After I heard that Mike and Beth, the former project leaders, would not be able to continue running this program full-time, I was eager to help out.

The most inspiring thing about the program is after you've worked with the same child for a few weeks and start to notice improvements. You'll realize he or she is a lot more confident sounding out big words and is enjoying reading a little bit more. Most of the parents of these kids don't have the English language skills to read with their kids, so the hour we spend reading with them is really invaluable.

If you're enthusiasm for kids is as great as your love of learning, then this program is for you. I know how busy we all are and taking a part of a Saturday morning may seem daunting. With that said, I promise if you can make it to one session you will be surprised how much of a positive impact you can make in a child's life with just two hours of your time!

~ Aaron Perez, Let's Read Westside Co-Project Leader

Click HERE to learn more about the WESTSIDE Let's Read project OR HERE to learn about the PUEBLO DEL RIO Let's Read project.

Announcing the Get L.A. Short Film Contest

2010-02-03T12:23:00.001-08:00

As we work to fulfill our mission of increasing volunteerism in L.A., we understand that building better communities starts with learning what people care about in Los Angeles. And we believe that as people begin to connect more with the ideas/issues/places that make our city great, they will further embrace why L.A. Works organizes volunteer projects focused on positively impacting the community. So, we have partnered with L.A. Magazine to offer our volunteers and supporters an opportunity to share their videos about what is loved/hated/thought about L.A. We get your thoughts on what is important in our city and you get a chance to win an exclusive VIP meeting with Hollywood executives and more!! More information about L.A. Work's Get L.A. Short Film Contest available at www.lamag.com/citythink/getla.

2010 MLK Jr. Day of Service Story

2010-01-29T20:27:00.000-08:00

2010 MLK Jr. Day of Service

2010-01-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe a week has gone by. My name is Rob and on last Monday I volunteered on my first LA Works project. I have to start by commenting on how organized and well put together this event was. Groups were assigned to specific tasks, projects for young people were designed to teach them of Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to serving people and everything got done in the time alloted. Not even the rain could damper the spirit of the hundreds of people who showed up to help give Van Nuys Middle School a bit of a facelift.

Work had been a bit slow and I was spending too much time having one sided conversations with politicians on the TV, so I started looking for opportunities to use my skills to help others. I'm no stranger to service work but I haven't had a fire lit under me like this for quite a while. I started calling around to my friends tossing out ideas and planning my take over of the nonprofit world. I was going to have the idea that revolutionized service work. K. Where do I start. I'm not going to bore you with all the kookie ideas that I came up with and jump to the last. I was going to create a place online that brought attention to small non profits who needed help finding volunteers and put up a calendar of all kinds of events across Los Angeles taking place all year long so a busy person could check in when they have a day off and find a group that could use their help on that day! Yes! So, I checked in with the almighty google and found once again I'm not that original. I found LA Works. Not only had they stolen my idea, they did it in 1991 when I was in my senior year of high school in Boston. All lame jokes aside, I was a bit deflated. I had a sincere desire to serve and my ideas were running out.

It was Christmas and I was visiting the in-laws when I had a realization. My ego was getting in the way of me serving others. Why not help the organization in existence that's doing what I thought was such a good idea. I shot an email to LA Works asking if they could use a photographer at an upcoming event and the rest is history. Now you're thinking 'Where are the photographs?' As usual, when I need to get something done my life gets busy. Don't worry though. I'm almost done editing some stories and photos together and hope to have them up tomorrow, so stay tuned!

We're Back!!!

2010-01-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

After a brief hiatus, we've returned to the blogger-sphere to help build an even stronger volunteer Los Angeles community! In addition to sharing news and updates, highlighting volunteers, and offering interesting insights on volunteerism and civic engagement, we hope that you, our volunteers, will share your thoughts and experiences volunteering at the L.A. Works programming!

If you have one or two stories to share, please email them to Debbie at debbie@laworks.com and she will post on this blog. If you'd like to be a regular contributor, sharing your volunteer thoughts/experiences once or twice a month, please let Debbie know and she'd be happy to add you as a contributor to the site.

Pathway TeamWorks!

2008-01-17T12:23:00.002-08:00

L.A. Works in partnership with the Tarjan Center as a part of the Alliance for Inclusion Advancement’s Service Inclusion Project is conducting the Pathway TeamWorks project. This 8 week program will integrate 11 L.A. Works volunteers with the 17 Pathway students for a unique customized service learning experience.

What is Pathway TeamWorks?

See more photos from Session 1 January 13, 2008!

Find It! Do It! Share It! Los Angeles Area Finalist

2007-09-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

L.A. Works' very own Keris Myrick is one of 27 finalists in the statewide “Find It. Do It. Share It.” Contest! Click here to read her story!

Hands On Network's Corporate Month of Service

2007-09-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Corporate Month of Service 2007

An initiative of the Corporate Service Council, Corporate Month of Service is an action oriented approach to corporate citizenship that leverages the corporate workforce to bring about positive change in communities across the country and around the world. Click Here to see photos from the Corporate Month of Service Los Angeles WaMu project managed by L.A. Works.

The Corporate Service Council

The Corporate Service Council is leading the efforts of Corporate Month of Service by issuing a "Corporate Challenge" to businesses everywhere, urging them to join this action oriented approach to community engagement.

UPS Chairman and CEO, Mike Eskew, chairs the Corporate Service Council, a unique alliance of 65 Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit partners, dedicated to increasing volunteerism and celebrating the impact of Corporate Service Council member's year-round efforts.

The Corporate Challenge is being issued to urge businesses of all sizes to sign up, encouraging responsible citizenship and increasing the impact of corporate contributions.

Guided by the goals of the Hands On Campaign, the Corporate Service Council is seeking to increase volunteerism by equipping 100,000 new Volunteer Leaders leading to a 10% increase in volunteerism

This year, Corporate Service Council members will expand their efforts like never before, taking Corporate Month of Service global through activities like the UPS Global Day of Service.

Third Annual of Corporate Month of Service

Corporate Month of Service was established in partnership with The Home Depot, in 2005 as a way to leverage the power of corporate America in order to bring about positive change in communities across the country.

In 2004, Hands On Network partnered with The Home Depot to commemorate their 25th anniversary, planning and executing more than 1,600 community service projects over an entire week. Building on this tremendous success, the campaign was expanded to a month-long event in 2005.

Last year, 60,000 volunteers participated in Corporate Month of Service, taking part in more than 1,000 community service projects in communities across the country. It is estimated that this contribution amounted to approximately $6.4 million.

This year, national sponsors include WaMu, The Home Depot, Philip Morris, UBS, UPS, Philip Morris, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, and VSP.

Community Impact - "Be the Change. Build Community"

From Miami to New York and Chicago to Los Angeles, Corporate Month of Service will unleash the power of corporate volunteers by combining sweat equity with financial resources to impact communities.

Teams of volunteers from companies large and small will collaborate to revitalize schools, refurbish community centers, restore parks, and reenergize communities

The responsible citizenship demonstrated by all of our partners multiplies the power of community and corporate investment, and subsequently, will bring about real change nationwide.

Corporate Month of Service 2007 aims to engage more than 40,000, 100 companies, impacting the lives of more than 3 million people. We believe that corporate collaboration multiplies community investments and leverages corporate influence to raise visibility about community issues and create solutions.

Points of Light & Hands On Network

Points of Light & Hands On Network leads an international movement of people who roll up their sleeves, get hands on, and solve community problems everyday. Through their Volunteer Center National Network and Hands On Action Centers, the organization supports a network of 370 organizations covering 88% of the US market and eight countries.

Points of Light & Hands On Network encourages people from all walks of life - businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youth, and older adults - to volunteer and be the change in their communities.

Points of Light & Hands On Network is uniquely positioned to lead this effort on behalf of the Corporate Service council, with 73 affiliate organizations and almost 20 years volunteer project management experience.

In 2006, Hands On Network received the coveted "A" rating from Fast Company and the distinguished Fast Company Social Capitalist Award hailing Hands On Network's distinction in partnering with corporations for greater community impact.

In July 2007, Points of Light & Hands On Network announced mutual board agreement to merge into a single organization. Creating the world's largest global volunteer network, the new organization will encompass 370 affiliates serving 83% of the American public.

End Youth Homelessness

2007-08-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

The other day I received a notice from YouthNoise, an online youth community and nonprofit, nonpartisan youth networking site for social change. They are launching an important initiative to bring awareness to the problem of youth homelessness. YouthNoise has taken on this task because of its growing importance for the future of the one and a half million homeless youth struggling to survive on the streets today. If all the homeless youth were placed in a city, populated only by them, it would be the seventh largest city in the United States

The effort, “Out of the Shadows,” is a contest that calls youth all across the country to submit their visions on how to end youth homelessness through video, text, or photo submissions on the YouthNoise website. The winners (by popular vote and a judging process) and a friend will be invited to a star-studded gala in New York City where they can spread awareness about youth homelessness and describe their vision. They will challenge their peers throughout America to develop projects demonstrating ways youth can start a movement towards change. YouthNoise and its partners will provide the resources and support to make the visions a reality, working together towards the end of youth homelessness.

The contest will be running August 1 through September 30.

If you are interested in promoting this cause please follow this link to download and post a banner. Use this banner wherever you might like to raise awareness about teen homelessness or think that your constituents would be interested in participating. Hopefully the banner will become an identifiable marker of this campaign and our collective movement for change. Take the first step.

Project Leader Star March/April 2007

2007-03-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

We Salute our Project Leader Star - Johanna Black

Help L.A. Works celebrate the accomplishments of one of our devoted Project Leaders, Johanna Black (pictured here with L.A. Works volunteer, Mike Clements) She leads the monthly Teen Outreach Program at L.A. Family Housing and has brightened the lives there with her friendly and funloving style. This year, Jo led the teens in a new type of project for L.A. Works...they wrote and shot a short film! Click Here to read more about it and see photos. The film was directed by Mike Clements! Click Here to see the film.

Let's hear from Johanna:

How long you've been involved with L.A. Works? I have been involved with LA works since March of 2006. Prior to that, I was involved at Hands on Atlanta since 2002. I learned about LA works from its affiliation with Hands on Atlanta. The Hands on Network is wonderful because it gives volunteers the opportunity to select from a variety of activities that may be of interest to them in different communities!

Why do you volunteer? I think it is important to give time and yourself to others. I enjoy learning from other volunteers, the groups the activities benefit and about the organizations LA works benefits. I just hope my service has helped at least one person to try something new, think about something in a different way or inspired someone to volunteer.

What is your "philosophy" of volunteering? Volunteerism is very important to our society. It gives us the opportunity to work and learn from people that may not otherwise be involved in your life.

Any tips you'd like to share with your fellow project leaders? Wow I would like more myself! Some days are better than others—always try to stay positive and remember why you enjoy the projects you have selected.

TreePeople Park Inaugural Project Feb 10, 2007

2007-02-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

TreePeople Park!

TreePeople Park in the Hollywood Hills! It is a beautiful 45 acre area that thousands of folks visit every year. TreePeople is overhauling their operation up there and they need our help. Because there will be ongoing construction, once a month, on the 2nd Sat, we're gonna help them keep the park looking great by maintaining the trails, invasive plant removal, rock replacement, slope regrading, erosion protection, wall restoration (the walls were built in 1930's) as well as outdoor stage restoration (some painting) and eventually, their entire nursery will need to be relocated. Each month there will likely be a different task so join us in this exciting new opportunity with one of our oldest agency partners.

Click here to see:

Photos of 1st TreePeople Park Project Feb 10, 2007!

Project Leader Stars Jan/Feb 2007

2007-01-30T17:19:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Our Accomplishments & Kickoff the New Year!

Every Year, L.A. Works acknowledges some of our hard working volunteers with a Celebration of our Accomplishments and a Kickoff for the New Year! It was a great afternoon of food, spirits, and merriment where we honored you, our valued volunteers!

Click here to see photos of this fun event!

L.A. Works would like to thank those volunteers who gave 25-50 Hours of Service over the course of the year:

Project Leaders - Chris Babers, Joan Bang, Alexa Benson, Sarah Boyd, Valerie Chiovetti, Charlene Chung, Stephanie Cirone, Tainy Contreras, James Cremin, Veronica Cruz, Luis De Avila, Tim Dickey, Elizabeth Farias, April Fields, Gladys Fung, Rafik Ghazarian, David Ho, Mark Kimura, Chris Martone, Srikant Ranjan, Jay Ross, Tammy Simmons, Clarence Smith, Grant Wadley, Suzanne Wiener, and

Volunteers - Zachary Alderfer, Bethany Beyer, Matthew Carey, Christina Chan, Leni Fleming, Colleen Gately, Stephen Gee, Stephanie Gisondi-Little, Randy Herrera, Jo Kelly, Karen Kuhlman, Halena Le, Ryan Lindgren, Pilar Mendoza, Alicia Montgomery, Jimmy Ngo, Catherine Nguyen, Angela Park, Vanessa Villanueva, Amit Barrett, Sandra Calleros!

L.A. Works wants to especially acknowledge our outstanding youth volunteers who will receive Teen Volunteer Awards!

April Baek, Tainy Contreras, Juan Gascon, Angie Kim, Chelise Sudds, Marquise Washington

L.A. Works Day 2006 was a huge success because of these hard working Project Leaders!

David Bloome (Challengers Boys & Girls Club) Mandana Dayani (Muir Middle School) Cindy Goss (Celerity Nascent Charter School) Ellen Dugas Hoctor (Budlong Ave. Elementary) Mark Kimura (Muir Middle School) Mary Lawler (Roze Room Hospice Interactive Project) Brandon Lucas (Volunteers of America Katrina Project) Tammy Simmons (Budlong Ave. Elementary) Ed Simon (Muir Middle School) Ann Zald (Challengers Boys & Girls Club) and James Zink (Celerity Nascent Charter School)

These dedicated volunteers gave 50+ Hours of Service over the course of the year! L.A. Works salutes you!

Veronica Arevalo, Sandy Boscarino, Teresa Castelli, Hal Christensen, Amy Cimetta, Yolanda Dave , Christy Dean, Michael Hicks, LaJeanne Jones, Cynde Knerr, Mike Kremer, David Lehman, Aurora Maniaul, Juan Mendoza, Kristel Stern, Nancy Tran, William Wira

These volunteers were awarded the Bronze Presidential Service Awards for 100+ Hours of Service. Their commitment to volunteerism is inspirational!

Steven Cota, Alvin Fong, Bobbi Marin, Ed Simon, David Trilling

This is an especially motivated group! Ten Years of Service! L.A. Works is very fortunate to have such faithful volunteers.

Alexa Benson, David Bloome, James Cremin, April Fields, Cindy Goss, Tom Hoctor, Mike Kremer, Connie Leonard, Dinah Posner, Tammy Simmons, Ed Simon, David Trilling, Suzanne Wiener, Ann Zald

The L.A. Works Day 2006 Projects Committee deserves our utmost gratitude for the hard work they put in to make that day possible! Each member of this committee was responsible for a different aspect of the event as well as the management of the L.A. Works Day 2006 sites!

Alexa Benson (registration) April Fields (project leader recruitment) Tom Hoctor (communitcations) Mike Kremer (supplies) Shelia Taylor (skilled experts)

Tom Hoctor! Premier Recipient of the Annual Larry Deckel Award. This award will be given every year to the volunteer whose inspirational knowledge and motivating creativity has taken L.A. Works to ever higher levels of meaningful service to our great city. This year, the recipient of this award has displayed consistent dependability, flexibility, accountability and is a master of organization. Congratulations Tom Hoctor!

A wonderful time was had by all!

L.A. Works/LA Family Housing Film Shoot

2007-01-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

Click Here to see photos and read more about this great project!

The LA Family Housing Sydney M. Irmas Transitional Living Center is the only facility in the Valley that accepts and provides longterm shelter to teens and their families. They have an extensive program that includes counseling, life skills training, drug prevention education and School on Wheels classes.

Twice a month, L.A. Works visits the facility with volunteers to engage the teens living there in uplifting activities such as dances, arts and crafts, or a fun conversation. Our goal is to inspire them to explore creative outlets while providing positive role models for them. In this vein, it was decided that the perfect venue for their creative expression would be a film submission to Get LA.

Get LA is an online short film festival and competition conceived by L.A. Works Board members. It's all about Los Angeles -- what makes it great and what could make it better. Visit http://myspace.com/getla to learn more.

Over the course of the past three months, the teens have come up with the concept, written scenes, drawn storyboards, done character and scene work, scouted locations, and worked on costuming in preparation for shooting their film. The teens have participated in writing, acting, storyboard, cinematography and general film making workshops with professionals in those fields.

Click Here to see photos and read more about this great project!

2007-01-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

Hands On Schools Martin Luther King Jr. Day Service Project

L.A. Works Hands On Schools Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day of Service was an enormous success. Over 300 volunteers representing LA's diverse communities turned out for a remarkable day of Living The Legacy.

Click Here to see more photos and read about the fabulous event!

Heaven On Earth Cat Sanctuary Photos!

2006-12-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

We had such a great day of painting! This cat shelter had paint literally pealing off, which wasn't so appealing to prospective cat owners. Thanks to Gladys Fung and Bobbi Marin for leading this one!

Nov/Dec Project Leader of the Month

2006-12-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

We Salute our Project Leaders

As this year comes to a close, I want to express L.A. Works' undying gratitude to our 53 adoptive Project Leaders and honor each of them as Nov/Dec Project Leaders of the Month! Without their enthusiam and commitment, L.A. Works would not be able to manage the close to 80 monthly volunteer projects that serve our vast community.

First, I would like to thank Elvin Albino, Christopher Babers, Teresa Castelli (adopted 2), Charlene Chung, Luis De Avila, Tim Dickey, Suzanne Islet, Christina Preiss, Katherine Serrano, Kristel Stern, each of whom have moved on as adoptive leaders. Some have relocated, some are traveling, some have work loads that have increased, but each one has given of themselves in an incredibly inspiring way and we are grateful!

Next, I would like to acknowledge Steven Cota, Jose Dubon, Gladys Fung (adopted 2), David Ho, Mina Mahini, Aurora Maniaul, Michael Masters, Juan Mendoza, & Gypsy Modina. These are new Project Leaders who stepped up immediately and adopted projects. Talk about enthusiasm. We need more folks like them!

Stephanie Cirone, Bobbi Marin, Nancy Tran are a rare breed indeed, each adopting more than one project last year. This kind of tireless drive is a beautiful thing to behold. Visit one of their projects and see why.

As you all know, without Project Leaders, L.A. Works projects don't happen. These adoptive Project Leaders have renewed their adoption for the new year! Veronica Arevalo, Joan Bang, Emily Barclay, Johanna Black, Sandy Boscarino, Sarah Boyd, Veronica Cruz, Yolanda Dave, Christy Dean, Elizabeth Farias, Alvin Fong, Chris Fukunaga, Rafik Ghazarian, Gil Gerstein, LaJeanne Jones, Bryan Kadotani, Mark Kimura, Cynde Knerr, , Mike Kremer, Sherly Lam, Connie Leonard, Kay Meevasin, Kat & Jesse Perez-Fraga, Ed Simon, Clarence Smith, Shelia Taylor, David Trilling, Bona Tucker, Will Wira. L.A. Works is extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated core of volunteers.

The next two Project Leaders deserve our hats off. Chris Martone and Jay Ross, while they are not adoptive Project Leaders, can always be counted on to take up the slack when a project has no leader. Every month, they step up to take one or two. You guys are great!

Lastly, Dave Bloome has offered his expertise to assist L.A. Works forge a new and lasting partnership with The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles. We are confident that with Dave's help, L.A. Works can become a major player in Los Angeles' Disaster Response team.

As you can see, L.A. Works has a great group of hard working adoptive Project Leaders! Again, our gratitude goes out to each and every one of them!

To become one of these go getters, go to the Project Calendar section of the website and sign up for Project Leader Training or to find out the date of the next session.

Teenagers Make A Difference Day A Huge Success!

2006-11-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our teen Organizing Committee who worked extremely hard to make these projects happen! Over 150 volunteers attended the 7 projects across the city and painted, planted, designed and painted murals, decorated Halloween cookies, made Flat Stanleys, played games, repaired wheelchairs, cleaned up beaches and generally had a great time! Our grateful partners, The Burbank Center (BCR), L.A. Leadership Academy, Midnight Mission, Heal The Bay, Santa Monica Baykeepers, Alhambra Convalescent Home, and Wheels for Humanity wish to thank all the volunteers who made this such a fun and meaningful event! Check out some of the photos!

We Need Your Help!

2006-10-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Teenagers Make A Difference Day Needs Your Help!

October 28, 2006

There are several projects for this important event that could use more volunteers. Our teen Organizing Committee has worked extremely hard to make these projects happen, let's show them our support! Everyone can participate and we want to encourage you all to volunteer for these great projects!

Click Here to take a look at the different projects we have available and sign up today! Help us make Teenagers Make A Difference Day a huge success!

Calling Teen Volunteers!

2006-08-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

Teenagers Make A Difference Day

Teenagers Make A Difference Day is an important national event where teens are mobilized to do something good for their neighborhoods and communities. L.A. Works is excited to be one of the organizations poised to facilitate our city's response to this call. We need 15 youth volunteers (ages 14 to 19) to comprise the Organizing Committee! The Organizing Committee will plan and implement a volunteer service project that will be completed on the Teenagers Make A Difference Day, October 28, 2006. During this first meeting of the Organizing Committee, the teen participants will brainstorm ideas, make goals, select and begin the planning process for the service project. Click Here to sign up for this exciting project.

August Project Leader of the Month

2006-08-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

We Salute our Project Leaders

Project Leader of the Month August 2006

Shelia Taylor --

I had to let you know about Shelia Taylor! Not only does Shelia run a monthly project at Friends of Animals, she was a valued member of this year's L.A. Works Day Projects Committee. Because of her expertise in contracting, our L.A. Works Day 2006 Katrina project was a huge success. We could not have done it without her!

Shelia outlines her philosophy:

A. I am an ordinary citizen fulfilling the responsibility that has been given to me my the community.
B. I have now been involved with LA Works for the past two (2) years
C. I became involved with LA Works after reading an article in the Downtown News under the heading, “weekend events”. That event advertisement was for LA Works Day. I spent that Saturday, cleaning along the LA River and painting over graffiti under bridges. I had a fantastic time. Of course on this day people make many friends. By the end of the day I became friends with a young woman by the name of Leng. Her last name escapes me. She’d been involved with LA Works for some time and began sending me notices of volunteers needed. I never signed-up for any of the openings she sent and eventually she stopped. I recall my schedule always being too busy and thinking each time, “you know, I’ll sign-up for the next event she sends, and that went on and on.” SO when she stopped it was like being hit in the stomach and I knew I was ignoring my responsibility to the community. I went to the LA Works website one evening and signed-up to be a Project Leader and it has been one of the best experiences of my life.
D. I volunteer, because it is “my” belief that we have been placed on this earth to serve and assist others.
E. My philosophy of volunteering is “Just Do It”
F. Thank you for caring about our community.

Shelia is a very special person and a project leader to watch! Way to go, Shelia --

This Month's Project Leaders

Thanks to all of our Project Leaders who are leading projects during the month of August.

You are the real leaders in our community! The Staff & Board of Directors of L.A. Works thanks you for being the real superstars of our community!

Albana Farias
Alvin Fong
Aurora Maniaul
Bobbi Marin
Bona Tucker
Bryan Kadotani
Charlene Chung
Chris Fukunaga
Christy Dean
Christina Preiss
Christopher Babers
Cindy Goss
Clarence Smith
Connie Leonard
Cynde Knerr
David Trilling
Ed Simon
Elvin Albino
Emily Barclay
Gil Gerstein
Grant Wadley
Jay Ross
Jesse Perez-Fraga
Joan Bang
Johanna Black
Katherine Serrano
Kathryn Perez-Fraga
Kay Meevasin
Kristel Stern
LaJeanne Jones
Lilia Elias
Llami Gutierrez
Luis De Avila
Margaret Comstock
Mark Kimura
Melodee Cole
Mike Kremer
Nancy Tran
Rafik Ghazarian
Sandy Boscarino
Sandy Choi
Sarah Boyd
Shelia Taylor
Sherly Lam
Srikant Ranjan
Stephanie Cirone
Suzanne Islet
Suzanne Wiener
Teresa Castelli
Teri Johnson
Timothy Dickey
William Wira
Veronica Cruz
Yolanda Dave
Yvonne Foster

Want to join the ranks of L.A.'s most involved citizens? Become an L.A. Works Project Leader.

It's easy, it's fun, and it doesn't require a huge amount of your time.

Go to the Project Calendar section of the website and sign up for Project Leader Training or email Julie Prejean to find out the date of the next session.

Past Project Leaders Of the Month

August, 2006 - Lilia Elias

June, 2006 - Tammy Simmons

April, 2006 - Mike Kremer

March, 2006 - Christina Preiss

February, 2006 - in loving Memory, Helga Hung

January, 2006 - Sherly Lam

November, 2005 - Clarence Smith

October, 2005 - Joan Bang

September, 2005 - Kat and Jesse Perez-Fraga

August, 2005 - Bryan Kadatoni

July, 2005 - Ken Hagopian

June, 2005 - Laura Bonilla

May, 2005 - Alexa Benson

April, 2005 - April Fields

March, 2005 - Mia Farrell

February, 2005 - Sandy Boscarino

January, 2005 - Andrew Anura Abeyesinghe

December, 2004 - Jacquie Moreno

November, 2004 - Timothy Dickey and Howard Weiner

October, 2004 - Russell Ali

September, 2004 - Suzanne Wiener

August, 2004 - Veronica Cruz

July, 2004 - Margaret Conway

June, 2004 - Ellen Dugas

May, 2004 - Luis de Avila

April, 2004 - Mandana Dayani

Mar, 2004 - Cindy Finocchi

Feb, 2004 - Viet Hoang

Jan, 2004 - Teresa Castelli

Dec. 2003 - Mary Lawler

Nov. 2003 - Jose Valencia

Oct, 2003 - Dustin Manhart

Sept, 2003 - Marc Weinberg

Aug, 2003 - Mark Kimura

July, 2003 - Jay Ross

June, 2003 - Meghan Lee

May, 2003 - Ray Ng

April, 2003 - David Trilling

March, 2003 - Tom Hoctor

February, 2003 - Kayo Shiraishi-Adachi

January, 2003 - Henry Meyer

December, 2002 - Suzanne Studer

November, 2002 - Ed Simon

October, 2002 - Bobbi Marin

July Project Leader of the Month!

2006-07-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

We Salute our Project Leaders

Project Leader of the Month July 2006

Lilia Elias --

We need to celebrate the contribution of an outstanding L.A. Works leader! Lilia Elias has become increasing more involved over her 8 year history with L.A. Works, most recently making a commitment as a Dreamsaver facilitator. So far, she has facilitated 4 sessions and has committed to leading two more this month! She is awesome!

Lilia tells us a bit about herself:

My name is Lilia and I’m just a girl in the world.

I enjoy working with children and young adults. Through L.A. Works, I have volunteered at Children of the Night and lead Teamworks at the Aviva Center. However, I have also volunteered at other organizations outside of L.A.Works, like the Valley Trauma Center, L.A. County Probation Dept., Revlon Run/Walk for Breast & Ovarian Cancer and the L.A Gay and Lesbian Center. I have been involved with L.A. Works for approximately 8 years. Which is the beauty of L.A. Works, you can be in a funk where you aren’t able to volunteer for some time, but as soon as your schedule permits, L.A. Works is there for you! There is something for everyone, no matter what your availability or interests are.

When I read about the Dreamsaver project, it was love at first sight. Working at the UCLA Career Center, where great careers begin, I wanted to be a part of a project where GREAT DREAMS begin. Not only does Dreamsaver help kids plan out their dream, it also covers the importance of saving money and recognizing the difference between proactive and reactive behavior. YOU have the power to make your dreams a reality! Sometimes the biggest road block between you and your dream, is you. If one person can walk away from the workshop feeling confident that they can reach their goal, I have made a difference.

That’s what volunteering is about, making a difference by giving what money can’t buy, your heart. Being sincere and being yourself is all you need.

Lilia 's devotion makes her an inspiration to us all! Thanks Lilia --

This Month's Project Leaders

Thanks to all of our Project Leaders who are leading projects during the month of July.

You are the real leaders in our community! The Staff & Board of Directors of L.A. Works thanks you for being the real superstars of our community!

Want to join the ranks of L.A.'s most involved citizens? Become an L.A. Works Project Leader.

It's easy, it's fun, and it doesn't require a huge amount of your time.

Go to the Project Calendar section of the website and sign up for Project Leader Training or email Julie Prejean to find out the date of the next session.

Past Project Leaders Of the Month

June, 2006 - Tammy Simmons

April, 2006 - Mike Kremer

March, 2006 - Christina Preiss

February, 2006 - in loving Memory, Helga Hung

January, 2006 - Sherly Lam

November, 2005 - Clarence Smith

October, 2005 - Joan Bang

September, 2005 - Kat and Jesse Perez-Fraga

August, 2005 - Bryan Kadatoni

July, 2005 - Ken Hagopian

June, 2005 - Laura Bonilla

May, 2005 - Alexa Benson

April, 2005 - April Fields

March, 2005 - Mia Farrell

February, 2005 - Sandy Boscarino

January, 2005 - Andrew Anura Abeyesinghe

December, 2004 - Jacquie Moreno

November, 2004 - Timothy Dickey and Howard Weiner

October, 2004 - Russell Ali

September, 2004 - Suzanne Wiener

August, 2004 - Veronica Cruz

July, 2004 - Margaret Conway

June, 2004 - Ellen Dugas

May, 2004 - Luis de Avila

April, 2004 - Mandana Dayani

Mar, 2004 - Cindy Finocchi

Feb, 2004 - Viet Hoang

Jan, 2004 - Teresa Castelli

Dec. 2003 - Mary Lawler

Nov. 2003 - Jose Valencia

Oct, 2003 - Dustin Manhart

Sept, 2003 - Marc Weinberg

Aug, 2003 - Mark Kimura

July, 2003 - Jay Ross

June, 2003 - Meghan Lee

May, 2003 - Ray Ng

April, 2003 - David Trilling

March, 2003 - Tom Hoctor

February, 2003 - Kayo Shiraishi-Adachi

January, 2003 - Henry Meyer

December, 2002 - Suzanne Studer

November, 2002 - Ed Simon

October, 2002 - Bobbi Marin

L.A. Works Day Tremendous Success

2006-06-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who was a part of L.A. Works Day 2006 — our most successful day of corporate and community service yet!

Read about L.A. Works Day in the news - past and present! Click here for articles about the impact of L.A. Works Day.

New Project - Meal Service for the Homeless in Pasadena

2006-05-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

Join us for our latest new project - in Pasadena! On the last Saturday of every month with new agency partner Union Station Foundation

Meal Service for the Homeless

Description: Have some fun in the Kitchen while making a difference! Grab an apron and come help us cook & serve the homeless a great lunch at the Union Station Foundation. Attend a one-hour Orientation meeting, and then we'll all head for the kitchen to help prepare lunch under the supervision of a Staff Cook for the homeless residents of Pasadena.

Union Station offers emergency and transitional housing for individuals and families, hot meals, career development, job placement, health care, case management services and substance abuse recovery support.

Every year, they serve more than 150,000 meals and provide 31,000 nights of shelter to their clients. All of Union Station’s programs and services are free of charge and designed to help program participants find permanent solutions to homelessness. The work of Union Station Foundation is carried out through the combined efforts of a skilled professional stafff, and the generosity of hundreds of volunteers like yourself! Please join us!

Click here to sign up!

L.A. Works Appears in Los Angeles Business Journal

2006-05-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

New Model of Corporate Philanthropy Combines Donations, Sweat Equity

Click here to read this story as it appeared in the May 15th edition of the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Hot Project: New Tutoring Project started with Kipp:LA-Prep

2006-05-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Tutoring and Mentoring for Superstar Students

KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory School (KIPP LA Prep) is a charter middle school which currently has 270 students in grades 5-7. It is located in Lincoln Heights (3 miles Northeast of Downtown LA), and serves the economically disadvantaged children of this community.

KIPP LA Prep is modeled after the free open-enrollment KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) academies in Texas and New York, where the students, parents, and staff are all highly committed to prepare students with the academic skills, intellectual habits and character traits that are necessary for future success in high school, college, and the competitive working world beyond. This public upper-elementary and middle school model has proven to be extraordinarily successful in improving academic and personal growth in KIPP students from under-resourced communities around the United States. Students at KIPP LA Prep work harder than most of their public school peers, and do not enjoy any shortcuts in their road to success in academic achievement and personal leadership. They are in school from 7:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M Monday through Friday, and every other Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., spending 90 minutes each day on math and language arts, with an additional hour devoted to reading; one hour on social studies; one hour on science; and one hour of fine arts or physical education.

Part of the reason for the success of KIPP LA Prep students lies in the tutoring and mentorship that students receive at Saturday school from volunteer tutors in the community. Please sign up to help continue the success of KIPP LA Prep by tutoring these incredible kids, and to make a difference in the lives of these children.

Click here to sign-up to help tutor these extraordinary kids

Summer Let's Read Sessions start in May - SIgn up Now

2006-05-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

Want to make a real impact on Kids' lives? L.A. Works' Let's Read Program is a program whose purpose is to provide kids with the tools to help them reach their dreams. We work individually and as a group, with kids' school-related materials, as well as try to expose them to other topics that they may not otherwise encounter. If you like kids and wish to develop a relationship with one or a few of them, this program can be one of our most rewarding.

Volunteers in this program must commit to the full 10 week session on consecutive Saturday mornings May 20 - July 29 from 10:00 a.m. - noon. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers will develop a mentoring relationship with kids during the ten week semester.

The Let's Read program takes place at two locations:

Pueblo Del Rio in central Los Angeles. Click here to sign up! If you've never volunteered for Let's Read at Pueblo Del Rio, you must also sign up for the orientation session for new Let's Read volunteers on May 13. Click here to sign up for orientation.

Mar Vista Gardens in Culver City. Click here to sign up for the 10-week session, May 20 - July 29.

New Long Term Project "All About Me" - Starts June 10 for six sessions (twice a month)

2006-04-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

"All About Me" is a 6-session project geared toward pre-teen/teenage girls (junior high school/high school). The project combines, journalism, collages, photographs and drawing all into one.

Teen Girls at LA Family Housing's Sydney M Irmas Transitional Living Center, will be participating in the project. The girls living at the center will work with volunteers to create a book about themselves and illustrate it through various forms of media.

The purpose of the project is to help girls define who they are today and who they want to be in the future. The book will encourage them to reflect on how they came to be the person they are today and inspire them to become the person they want to be. The goal is to get the participants thinking about how they define themselves simplistically (i.e. favorite color) and holistically (i.e. fondest memory, what do you want to be when you grow up) and be able to illustrate that through various media.

The project schedule will look something like this:
June 10 – Introduction, orientation, and documentation of thoughts (Questions for the “All About Me” book will be provided at 1st meeting)
June 24 – Create collages (magazines and construction paper will be provided)
July 8 – Introduction to photography (disposable cameras will be provided – one camera for 2 people)
July 22 – Drawing (girls turn in cameras for photo processing)
Aug 5 - Put it all together (printed photos returned to girls)
Aug 19 - Sharing and Reflection

To provide a mentoring relationship to the girls as they work through this project, we are urging volunteers to sign up for all six sessions. Please sign up for each occurrence separately by going to each date on the website. They project takes place on Saturday afternoons from 2-3:30 every two weeks.

The LA Family Housing, Sydney M. Irma Transitional Living Center strives to provide a safe, caring, and service-rich environment that helps homeless families and individuals rebuild their lives. The agency has 20 facilities serving over 7,300 people annually in eight different regions of Los Angeles.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Click here to sign up today. Please try to sign up for all six sessions!

Hot Project of the Week - Painting at Challengers Boys and Girls Club, Saturday, April 22

2006-04-19T01:09:00.000-07:00

L.A. Works Day 2006, is on June 3rd! Here's a great opportunity to help with L.A.'s most exciting day of corporate & community service. Join the L.A. Works staff and the Chairs of the Projects Committee for a "run through" project where we will begin to make the magic happen.

On L.A. Works Day, we will be painting the fence around the Challengers Boys and Girls Club to give them a fresh new look. We need your help priming the fench in preparation for the painting! Without your help, this great facelift for the Club will not be possible!

Click here to sign up for this fun, hands-on, project.

Double the Fun with Two New Projects

2006-04-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday mornings we've got two new fun projects available for sign-up on our website. Help us make these two new ones a success by signing up today! Choose which way you want to have fun -- with kids... or nuns!

FUN WITH NUNS
Villa Community - Sisters of Social Service
ENCINO
4th Saturday of each month – 10 am - noon
April 29, May 27, June 24,

If you a magician, love to do tricks, can sing, dance, puppeteer or have special talents, you are exactly what we are looking for. No glue, scissors or paper crafts allowed!!

Come out and have “Fun with Nuns”. Enjoy singing, bingo, card games, music and much more with women of wisdom. They are all retired professionals, bright and full of life. Come out to celebrate, laugh and enjoy an atmosphere with your not so typical senior group of women from the ages of 83-97.

We will create an interactive, entertaining, uplifting, energetic environment. So bring your energy, love for seniors and let's have a fun-filled afternoon with the “fun nuns“.

Click here to Sign up

FUN ARTS & CRAFTS PLUS NUTRITIONAL SNACKS WITH CHILDREN!
CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNERS
DOWNTOWN/CENTRAL
9-11 am
4th Saturday of every month.
Upcoming Dates: April 22, May 27

Hello! Hello! These children from Center for Lifelong Learners are all ready to have you come join them on some neat art and craft activities! These art and craft projects are easy, simple, and fun!! Art projects may include lantern-making, paper plate finger puppets, pinwheel, handprint rainbow, origami and much more. In addition to these creative projects, half an hour will be focusing on nutrition! Within a short half hour, you will be assisting these children on how to fix good, nutritional snacks! These two fun-filled hours will definitely go by quickly! The Center for Lifelong Learners’ mission is to provide individuals of all ages the learning tools to achieve their highest potential at home, in school or as proactive community members. Make a difference to a child’s life today! The age group of these children is 8 to 15 years old. Come join us!

Click here to sign up.

15th Birthday of L.A. Works!

2006-04-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

A Letter from Ann Burroughs
L.A. Works Executive Director

Dear Friends,

This year marks the 15th birthday of L.A. Works! We’ve been mobilizing L.A.’s volunteer power since 1991! Happy birthday, L.A. Works!

As we move into this special year of service inspired by the 20th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, and in honor of the life of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, we are reminded that our capacity as individuals and as a nation to be great lies in our willingness to serve others.

L.A. Works is predicated on the fact that engaged citizens such as those galvanized by the hurricanes in the Gulf region, or those who volunteer each week at their local shelter or food bank, are the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy, and that effective volunteer action is a path to broader and deeper civic involvement.

By any measure, we have come a long way. L.A. Works is now our city’s action tank for community and corporate service. We are the “home-base” for over 10,000 volunteers and almost 100 corporate volunteer programs. We are the hub for programs that impact the most pressing social issues in Los Angeles, and a network of service to almost 600 community organizations impact. Our volunteers have refurbished over 300 schools, day-care centers, playgrounds and parks, and our murals have brightened street corners and schools across the city. We have more project leaders than ever before, and our monthly calendar of volunteer projects has reached a record high of 125.

And it is you, our volunteers who we must thank for this. Through your dedicated commitment to service, you have re-imagined volunteerism and energized a new generation of volunteer activist and created a new movement for social change in our city.

But there is a lot more to do – and an ever clearer mandate that we must do it!

Please click here to read about some of the programs and plans we have in place to scale up our potential and to forge a new community and corporate compact for our city.

We will need your help to do this – your volunteer hours as well as your financial support!

We have now launching a 15th Anniversary Campaign to raise $45,000 on-line – $3,000 for every year we’ve been in existence. We are asking you to ask your friends to support your commitment to volunteering and service,.

We now have the tools that will allow you to create your own personal fundraising webpage and tell your friends, family and colleagues the impact volunteering with L.A. Works has had on your life. We know you've been working with L.A. Works to change this city for the better - now help us to help you - by creating even more opportunities to volunteer in the coming year.

Creating this page is fun, easy, and personal. Read more about how to get started at our site at firstgiving.com/laworks. Thanks for your support!

L.A. Works Day Registration Now Open!

2006-04-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Give a Day to LA!
June 3, 2006

Be a part of the largest and most exhilarating day of corporate and community service Los Angeles has ever seen. Register yourself, join an existing team, or create your own team of family, friends, or co-workers.

L.A. Works Day 2006 will send forth a throng of helping hands across this city to renew, refurbish, and restore! With paint brushes, hammers, and garden rakes held high, our volunteers will spread a rainbow of support to area schools, after school programs, and historic landmarks - touching children of all ages, patients in hospice care, & victims of disaster. For full details and to sign up, click here. Don't miss it!

Civic Involvement Opportunity!

2006-02-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

For more info and to register: www.citizenshealthcare.gov
Or phone 800-679-3684

New Orleans - a half a year after Katrina

2006-02-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

By Larry Deckel
Director of Programs
L.A. Works

On February 16th – 18th I traveled to Louisiana as a representative of Hands on Network to consult with Volunteer Baton Rouge on starting up their hands-on programming as "Hands on Baton Rouge." The folks in Baton Rouge were wonderful in every way, and treated me to the Southern hospitality I've missed since leaving Louisiana in the late 70s. They are very enthusiastic in carrying on the work of the network, and appreciated my sharing with them the remarkable work our Project Leaders and volunteers have been doing here at L.A. Works.

I took advantage of the trip to trek over to New Orleans, to get a first-hand look at how the city is doing, nearly six months after Hurricane Katrina.

What I saw in New Orleans left me emotionally exhausted, and broke my heart. Vast sections of the city have been rendered uninhabitable. The once vibrant crescent city now has an uneasy silence, as entire districts have taken on characteristics of a ghost town. While I was initially struck by the site of individual houses, roofs blown off, shuttered windows and doors, trees toppled upon them, refuse and trash littering their yards — the full enormity of the situation sank in as I saw entire blocks, streets, and neighborhoods destroyed. While many structures still stand, a faint yellow line representing the high water mark tells the story of a city held captive underwater. Everything in these homes was destroyed. Furniture, appliances, clothing, decor, paintings, photos — even the walls themselves, were ravaged by the floodwaters that rushed in as the levees broke. As I drove through these devastated neighborhoods, I was amazed to find that even six months later, electricity was still unavailable; traffic lights weren't in operation, and few residents had returned — there was so little to return to. You couldn't go "home" — as your home was now something you couldn't live in. A few industrious folks have set up RVs and trailers in the front yards, but most simply don't know where or how to start. Many will never return.

The city faces enormous challenges in reviving itself. It's unclear whether neighborhoods will be mowed down and deserted, or how or when neighborhoods that choose to revive themselves will do so. The pictures shown on this page cannot convey the overall impact of damage this catastrophic.

I visited a few tent cities that are currently housing workers and volunteers who are engaged in the Herculean task of clearing the damaged homes. Ben Brubaker, a Volunteer Coordinator for Emergency Communities has set up the "Made with Love Cafe" a volunteer operation feeding anyone who is hungry each day, and providing an outlet for clothing, first-aid and other necessities in the nearly leveled St. Bernard Parish adjacent to New Orleans. They are looking for volunteers who can bring their own tents and assist with their delivery of services. It was bone-chilling cold the day I visited, but these great volunteers were delivery nutritious hot meals to anyone with a need. If you'd like to donate, or volunteer, please visit their website at www.emergencycommunities.org/

As many of you know, the difficulty in volunteering in New Orleans has been a lack of housing for volunteers. Living in a tent city is not easy! Now that it's clear that volunteers will be needed in the Gulf Region for many, many months to come, the Hands on Network is facilitating the start-up of "Hands on New Orleans." I visited with the small, devoted staff there who are currently engaged in building bunk beds at the First Street United Method Church to house volunteers each week who will assist with rebuilding efforts. If you're interested in going to New Orleans to lend your support, they will be ready to begin housing and feeding volunteers (who will have to arrange their own travel expenses) in April.

The majority of the work that volunteers will be doing in New Orleans is mucking and mold abatement of houses. This is grueling, rigorous work, and not for the faint of heart. Volunteers will be gutting the damaged interiors of houses, emptying them of possessions and knocking out plaster or drywall to take the house back down to the frame. Once the house is down to its frame, volunteers will treat the remaining wood to remove and prevent regrowth of the mold that has formed. While this is hard physical work, it is immensely satisfying and a good way to gain a sense of instant results. Talk about "Hands On." Once a house has been 'gutted' in this manner, residents can begin the rebuilding process. It's a start! In addition to this, HONO will be setting up projects to benefit the community including tutoring and mentoring in local schools, working at distribution centers, cooking free meals for community members, etc.

If you are interested in getting scheduled for a week's service in New Orleans, please contact Sara Schnitzer, Volunteer Coordinator, Hands On New Orleans — 1-800-977-5589 or email
volunteerinquiry-neworleans@handsonnetwork.org . Let her know you are part of L.A. Works and would like more information, and to schedule yourself for a week in April or beyond. They are open to the participation of groups and/or individuals.

What happened in New Orleans is a tragedy that will affect that city for many years to come. Tourism is making a slow recovery in the French Quarter, and Mardi Gras' persistent spirit is creating the strange spectacle of public partying and parades in the higher elevations, while the surrounding lowlands near the Lake and in the lower ninth ward echo in grim stillness. What can I say — it's New Orleans.

While it's no longer in the news here in Los Angeles – the generosity of volunteers will play a major part in the city's recovery efforts. For those of you with the resources and time to travel to New Orleans, they will heartily welcome your support. If you're unable to go, but would like to send funds to assist with our volunteer mobilization efforts, please go to: www.handsonnetwork.org/donate/form and click on the donation link for the Hurricane Volunteer Mobilization Fund.

Hot Project of the Week - Adopt a Highway - February 25

2006-02-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

A clean ocean starts with clean streets and sidewalks. That's why we meet once a month to clean up a stretch of Lincoln Blvd in Marina Del Rey.

Come out and meet new people as you get some exercise and do rewarding volunteer work that will have a lasting effect on the health of the bay.

There's a lot of litter out there on Lincoln - come help us keep it out of the storm drain and out of the Santa Monica Bay. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Click here to sign up!

New Project! Gardening at Historical Home

2006-02-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a great new project for volunteers with a green thumb who live in the S. Pasadena / Highland Park area! Enjoy the nice weather!

Volunteers are needed to work in the shady, waterwise garden which surrounds the 100-year-old home of Charles Lummis. The garden is in need of maintenance, and volunteers would be guided by three experienced gardeners who have worked here for many years.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own small gardening tools and gloves, though some will be available onsite if you do not have any to bring.

Volunteers must be at least 8 years of age. Volunteers who are 8-14 must be accompanied by a parent.

This project will take place on the 2nd Sunday of every month and will start on March 12th. Click here to sign up!

L.A. Works Volunteers invited to free Dr. Phil Tapings

2006-02-03T15:29:00.000-08:00

L.A. Works Volunteers can get free tickets to taping of the Dr. Phil Show.

If you'd like free tix, contact:
Wendell Hubbard at Wendell_Hubbard@paramount.com or 323-956-3319. Just tell him you're with L.A. Works. Bring as many guests as you'd like as they like to book folks in groups.

Here's the details:

Dr. Phil tapes at Paramount Pictures. The Audience entrance is located at 860 N. Gower in Hollywood California.

Time:
Dr. Phil tapes two shows a day, Tuesday through Thursday. Given availability, your group can choose which time they would like to attend.

A Show:
Arrive no later than 8 am
Plan on being with us until around 12 p.m.

B Show:
Arrive no later than 10 a.m.
Plan on being with us until around 3 p.m.

*You may bring snacks. Please make sure everything remaining is disposable (no food or beverages are allowed in the studio).

Dress Code:
*PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE, DARK SOLID COLORS.
Please do not wear white, beige, jeans, hats, uniforms or identical clothing. The studio is extremely air conditioned, so we suggest that you dress warmly. We find that women are most comfortable in a pantsuit or a blazer.

Security Check and Metal Detector:
No electronics, including cell phone’s, pagers, palm pilots, and cameras will be allowed into the studio. Please leave those items in addition to any books, magazines or notebooks in your car.

Special Assistance:
*Wheelchairs, hearing devices or other special needs.
So that we can fully accommodate your group, please inform us of any special needs that your guests may have prior to attending the show.

All members of Dr. Phil’s studio audience must be over the age of 18years old and have a valid Photo ID.

New Project! Fun With Toddlers (4th Saturday of every month)

2006-01-31T12:48:00.000-08:00

Join us for a fun filled afternoon spent with the children ages 2 through 5 at the Sydney M. Irmas Transitional Living Facility in North Hollywood. Once a month L.A. Works will visit the facility with their volunteers to engage the toddlers in arts and crafts and educational activities. Our goal is to help the children build the basic skills that they will need in order to become successful students. As volunteers, you'll be briefed and assist in carrying out the afternoon's activity. It will typically include a main project, followed by some free time with the children to play games, read stories, etc. If any advance preparation is needed on your part, you'll be emailed with specific project details.

All upbeat and outgoing volunteers are welcome to sign up, but all volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

LA Family Housing's Sydney M Irmas Transitional Living Center, provides safe and secure housing for clients who come from temporary and emergency shelters, and require additional time to achieve sufficient independence to secure permanent housing. The center provide services to families with both small children and teens, and programs include life skills for youth, sports for children and youth, arts and crafts for children and youth, baby and child care, mother and toddler yoga. The Sydney M. Irmas Transitional Living Center is the only facility in the Valley that accepts and provides long-term shelter to toddlers and their families. LA Family Housing has 20 facilities serving over 7,300 people annually in eight different regions of Los Angeles.

Click here to sign up!

In Loving Memory - Helga Hung (1974-2006)

2006-01-20T17:50:00.000-08:00

It is with great sorrow that we share with you the news that Helga Hung, a loving and devoted L.A. Works Project Leader has passed away. Helga had been leading regular projects for us each month with one of our agency partners, Reading to Kids, and died on January 14, 2006, in a car accident while returning from leading her monthly reading club.

Many of you know Helga through her participation in L.A. Works Day. She was a leader at the Magnolia School in 2004, and a task captain at the Ann Street School for L.A. Works Day 2005. She is remembered fondly by those who worked with her on those occasions. In leading her first L.A. Works Day she humbly had remarked that "I didn't realize it was going to be this hard!" but impressed her co-volunteers with the precision of her planning -- supplies layed out perfectly, buckets ready to go, and a smile that could light up a room.

Helga had a passion for kids, and led many projects that impacted their lives. In addition to her deep commitment to Reading to Kids (where she led an extraordinary 38 sessions), she also led L.A. Works projects at Shelter First at the Ford Hotel, and most recently planned and coordinated a wonderful and raucous Christmas Party with her friend and co-leader Sherly Lam for the teens at Angel's Flight.

Helga has touched the lives of so many kids in Los Angeles, and in doing so, touched the hearts of the many L.A. Works volunteers who have been inspired by her. Her many friends at Reading to Kids have created a tribute page to her memory. We encourage you to visit.

All of us here at L.A. Works will miss Helga and send our prayers and thoughts to her family. She lives on in our hearts and her smile will never leave us.

Become a facilitator for new Dream Saver program

2006-01-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

Every child has a dream. Some hope to become doctors and teachers. Others want to own a business or even become President of the United States. Whatever their dream is, making it come true depends on setting goals, developing a plan and working hard.

The Dream Saver Program introduces kids, aged 8 – 11, to some of the life skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in life. Created by Ameriquest Soaring Dreams, in partnership with FranklinCovey, Dream Saver helps young children learn about the information and tools they need to set goals and develop a plan for their future.

Using workbooks, role-playing and other fun activities, Dream Saver kids experience how the choices they make can have an impact on their lives.

L.A. Works is looking for volunteers who will train to be facilitators of this program. Ideal facilitators will be people who enjoy working with kids, are comfortable as public speakers and are not afraid to have fun in a learning environment. Facilitators will be paired up to work together in presenting this program — so if you have a friend or co-worker you enjoy working with, both of you should sign up to attend! If you don't have a partner, don't worry — we will pair you up with another facilitator at the training!

The one-day training will take place on Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 – 3:30. Facilitators will receive professional instruction, curriculum, and all the supplies needed to bring this fun and informative program to at-risk kids in after school programs in Los Angeles County.

Facilitators must attend this one-time training, and then agree to lead two to four Dream Saver sessions over the course of 2006. L.A. Works will schedule these sessions on various dates and locations throughout Los Angeles and will work with facilitators to meet their availability and schedule.

Click here for more info and to sign up!

New Volunteer Project added to our Calendar

2006-01-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Activities with Teens (Children of the Night)
Van Nuys

Children of the Night is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1979, dedicated to assisting children between the ages of 11 and 17 who are forced to prostitute on the streets for food and a place to sleep. Residents follow a highly structured program that includes attending an on-site school where they study a curriculum individually tailored to their specific needs so they can reach age- appropriate grade levels in all subjects before leaving.

With the help of caseworkers, each youngster formulates a "life plan" and attends independent living classes, as well as participating in sports and recreational activities plus evening workshops in crafts, yoga, 12-step meetings, poetry, AIDS education, and more.

LA Works has the exciting opportunity to lead fun and enriching evening workshops for 12-15 of these teens. The Project Leader will have a planned activity for each session, and volunteers are needed to help facilitate. Please come join us in this unique volunteer opportunity!

This project will take place on the 3rd Thursday of every month starting January 19.

Click here to sign-up

Disaster Response Exercise

2006-01-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

Help L.A. prepare for a terrorist attack!

Feb 2

7:00 am - Noon
Two Locations:
Glendale
Long Beach

How would Los Angeles cope with a major county-wide catastrophe? L.A. needs hundreds of volunteers to role-play as disaster victims to help train county first responders (doctors, nurses, fire and police personnel, paramedics and other health professionals) in a major simulation of a bio terrorist attack. Drills will take place on Thursday, February 2nd from 7:00 am SHARP to noon in both Glendale and Long Beach.

There are no age restrictions for this volunteer opportunity so feel free to sign-up your entire family! This event is being coordinated with the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles.

To sign-up:

For this special event there is a two step process to volunteer:

1) Click on the Have Agency Contact Me button. (This will notify the Volunteer Center that you are potentially interested in volunteering).

2) You will get an email with an Internet Link instructing you where you MUST go to complete your sign-up online. Be SURE to read this email and follow the directions to complete your sign up for this event.

Click here to be taken to the L.A. Works website and the referral link.

Thanks for your support in helping to keep our county safe!

You're Invited! Please join us on January 29

2006-01-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

Please join us on January 29 at the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens to celebrate the New Year and to honor the L.A. Works volunteers who are this year's recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award.

This is our chance to recognize and thank the individuals who have demonstrated a sustained committment to voluneer service during the last twelve months. The award is issued by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to our Nation.

We'll also be recognizing our outstanding project leaders, and volunteers who have made special contributions during the last year.

Bring friends and family to make new friends, reconnect with old friends, and learn more about L.A. Works and our plans for 2006.

There will be cake, light snacks and a special prize -- if you've volunteered with L.A. Works during 2005 you'll be eligible to win an Apple Ipod Nano! Drawing will be at 3:30 pm (you must be present to win).

We hope to see as many of our volunteers and Project Leaders as possible, so we can personally thank you for the amazing job you've all done transforming Los Angeles in the past year.

Click here to RSVP. (log into your account, and click on SIGN ME UP).

Save the Date

2006-01-11T00:56:00.000-08:00

Hot Project of the Week

2006-01-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Do you like bikes? We need more volunteers to help with this great project on January 14 from 10:00 - 3:00. This is a fun project for anyone who enjoys working with their hands:

Project Information:
Each month Bike Out gathers volunteers to repair, fix, and tune-up donated bikes. No experience is necessary, but experienced mechanics are more than welcome! Here's a chance to help others while learning bike maintenance yourself! Wear grubby clothes. Pizza will be served!

Bike Out's mission is to promote health and foster self-confidence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth and their straight supporters through mountain bike expeditions. Teenagers have a hard time growing up. LGBT teens have the added pressure of growing up without social approval.

Some LGBT youth are harassed so severely they are forced out of their schools and sometimes their homes. Bike Out provides a safe place for young people to be themselves.

The bikes repaired by volunteers will help raise funds for Bike Out’s youth programming through the Recyclery.

To sign up for this project, click here.

Next Round of Let's Read starting Jan 21 - Sign up Now!

2005-12-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

Want to make a real impact on Kids' lives? L.A. Works' Let's Read Program is a program whose purpose is to provide kids with the tools to help them reach their dreams. We work individually and as a group, with kids' school-related materials, as well as try to expose them to other topics that they may not otherwise encounter. If you like kids and wish to develop a relationship with one or a few of them, this program can be one of our most rewarding.

Volunteers in this program must commit to the full 10 week session on consecutive Saturday mornings Jan 21 - March 25 from 10:00 a.m. - noon. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers will develop a mentoring relationship with kids during the ten week semester.

The Let's Read program takes place at two locations:

Pueblo Del Rio in central Los Angeles. Click here to sign up! If you've never volunteered for Let's Read at Pueblo Del Rio, you must also sign up for the orientation session for new Let's Read volunteers on January 14. Click here to sign up for orientation.

Mar Vista Gardens in Culver City. Click here to sign up for the 10-week session, January 21 - March 25.

Get Trained to assist in Los Angeles Disasters and Emergencies

2005-11-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

L.A. Works encourages its members to attend Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. This all-risk, all hazard training, presented by the Fire Dept trains you to assist conventional emergency response teams in times of crisis and emergency. Training is offered in locations all over Los Angeles.

The training is a seven session course (one day a week for seven weeks), and is provided free of charge. The next round of classes begins in January 2006. For more details click here.

Share your Holiday Volunteering Stories

2005-11-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

More people volunteer during the holidays than any time of the year. We'd love to hear your stories of why volunteering is important to you during this season. Have you had a great volunteer experience that has enriched your holiday? Click on the comments link and tell us your experiences!

Here's Another New Thanksgiving Referral - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

2005-11-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

Wow. Thanksgiving requests are coming in quickly. Do you live in Long Beach / South Bay area? This one is a referral to "For the Child". They need volunteers to help prep and distribute Thanksgiving meals this Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. It's very short notice, but I know they'd appreciate some help.

Click here to let us put you in touch with "For the Child".

New Thanksgiving Day project added to calendar

2005-11-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

We've just gotten a call asking for 10 volunteers on Thanksgiving Day. It's short notice, but we know there's a lot of you looking for a chance to help out on Thanksgiving Day. Here's the Project Details:

The Hollywood Senior Multipurpose Center needs 10 volunteers to help deliver Thanksgiving holiday meals to homebound seniors in the Hollywood & Silverlake area. Delivery times will be from 8:00 am - noon.

This project will be supervised by the HSMC staff, rather than the L.A. Works Project Leader since volunteers will all be working seperately on deliveries.

Volunteers must have their own vehicle and be able to deliver 10-12 meals.

Click here to sign up for this project.

What has volunteering done for you?

2005-10-31T16:19:00.000-08:00

We're anxious to hear stories from L.A. Works volunteers about the impact volunteering has had on your life. Do you have a great volunteer experience to share? Your personal story might be the very thing that inspires someone else to make a difference!

Click on the comment button below and tell us your volunteer stories. We'll print the best of them in upcoming issues of our monthly newsletter.

Hot Project of the Week - November 5

2005-10-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

Here's a one-time project we're doing with the Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest. They need our help painting den boxes and building animal ramps as part of their facility renovation.

The Wildlife Waystation is a 160-acre animal sanctuary that rescues and provides sanctuary to wild and exotic animals from around the world.

Click here to sign up for Saturday, Nov 5, from 9am - noon.

New Project Added to Calendar

2005-10-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Starting November 15 we have a great new project working with kids in North Hollywood at the Sydney M Irmas Transitional Housing Shelter.

"Join us for a fun-filled evening spent with children who are all smiles and excitement! Whether it be a night of arts and crafts, karaoke, board games, or story time, you will definitely make an impact in the lives of these wonderful kids (ages 6-12)!

The LA Family Housing, Sydney M. Irma Transitional Living Center strives to provide a safe, caring, and service-rich environment that helps homeless families and individuals rebuild their lives. The agency has 20 facilities serving over 7,300 people annually in eight different regions of Los Angeles."

Click here to sign up for this great new project. Thanks to Project Leader Sherly Lam for starting up this new opportunity to help kids in need.

L.A. Works exhibits at California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women & Families

2005-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Come see us in Long Beach on Oct 27.We'll be exhibiting at the Hands on Network booth in the Volunteer Village in the Long Beach Convention Center. Come say hello and find out more about how to get involved with L.A. Works.

HOT PROJECT: "Pumpkins for Peace" Needs volunteers this Friday Night, Oct 21

2005-10-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Center for Non-Violent Education and Parenting had to make a last minute change and move their project from Saturday to this Friday, Oct 21 from 6-8pm. The project had been full, but due to the date change we are suddenly short volunteers to assist with child care and youth group supervision.

Are you free tomorrow on Friday night. The kids could use your help!

While their parents at the center attend a "Day of Dialogue" about non-violent parenting, the children 2 to 8 years old participate in a quality child care program with art activities and storytelling of books relating to non-violence. Children 9 to 18 years meet to learn and do activities concerning conflict resolution. Volunteers are needed for both groups to supervise and play with the children/youth. Some of the activities with the children may take place out of doors, so please dress accordingly. The program for Oct 21 is "Pumpkins for Peace".

Click here to sign-up. Thanks!

Hot Project of the Week

2005-10-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, October 22nd is our monthly Adopt a Highway, Protect a Bay project with the Santa Monica Baykeepers. We need more volunteers to help!

A clean ocean starts with clean streets and sidewalks. That's why we meet once a month to clean up a stretch of Lincoln Blvd in Marina Del Rey.

Come out and meet new people as you get some exercise and do rewarding volunteer work that will have a lasting effect on the health of the bay.

There's a lot of litter out there on Lincoln - come help us keep it out of the storm drain and out of the Santa Monica Bay. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Click here to sign up!

Make a Difference Day

2005-10-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Make A Difference Day is a national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. The next event is Saturday, October 22, 2005.

Millions have participated. In 2004, 3 million people cared enough about their communities to volunteer on that day, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns.

If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity for Make A Difference Day, check our project calendar for October 22, 2005.