Program for Torture Victims received a grant to support staffing of program personnel (Clinical Director and Case Managers) with fringe benefits and mileage for staff to meet with clients and host-home volunteers.  The mission of PTV is to assist the courageous survivors of state-sponsored torture and persecution who have stood up for freedom, equality and human dignity.  With their mission, PTV supports those who have stood up for others. These include journalists reporting on corruption or injustices, teachers who teach against the propaganda of a party or regime, doctors or officials who help others against the dictates of a government, and others who stand up for human dignity. 

Read these two testimonials about how MAPs Charities is helping Seniors with technology in the midst of a pandemic. 

 

I want to thank your organization for buying a brand new computer for me.

As you know, I am desperately in need of a complete hip replacement and finding resources for durable medical equipment (shower chair, toilet commode with arms, walker, etc.) to maintain some quality of life was impossible without a computer. I have now turned my attention to setting up my post surgery aftercare. I am still waiting for elective surgeries to be performed, but now I am at least able to surf the internet for various resources.

Please know that I am so grateful for your help and will think of your organization every time I log on to my laptop. Thank you so much for helping me.

– Gail

 

Dear MAPS Charities,

Thank you so much for granting our request for Netbook batteries. I am very excited to get the books up and running for the residents’ use!

Take so much care,

Karel, RSC

Italian American Museum of Los Angeles received a grant to support the production of free, multidisciplinary arts performances presented at the IAMLA and other locations in Los Angeles County that will acquaint the public, especially youth and under-served communities, with the varied artistry of the Italian diaspora. Funding will support the production of programming, including professional fees as well as staff salaries related to the production of programming. The mission of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is to foster understanding of Southern California’s diverse heritage through research, historic preservation, exhibitions and educational programs that examine the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans in multi-ethnic Los Angeles and the United States.

Click here to learn more about IAMLA. 

The Jubilee Jump program provides jump rope classes, nutritional training, mentoring and leadership development to low-income children in and around Los Angeles. The Jubilee Consortium is a collaborative effort by inner city Episcopal churches to serve low-income communities in Los Angeles.  Their mission is to create healthy and just neighborhoods through enrichment opportunities and leadership programs that contribute to providing access to healthier lifestyles and knowledge of how to lead a healthier life.  In 2015, Jubilee Consortium launched rope jumping programs at three different low-income neighborhoods around Los Angeles: Hollywood, Inglewood and Highland Park. Today, we are expanding to cover 8 locations—all of which will form part of a strong and talented jump rope league. Youth participants in Jubilee Jump learn basic rope jumping skills, increase their understanding of the sport of competitive rope jumping, engage in regular fitness activities, receive mentoring from coaches and adult volunteers, and develop life and leadership skills that they will be able to translate into other aspects of their lives.

“The work of Families & Criminal Justice is based in Attachment Theory.  This set of concepts explains the bond between young children and their primary caregivers, and its importance in child development and future relationships.

We also utilize a reflective, relationship-based approach to practice.  In relationship-based practice, “who you are is as important as what you do.”  Relationship-based practice provides for the parent what we want the parent to provide for the child: a healthy, nurturing, responsive relationship.”

UCLA UniCamp received a grant in support of their Volunteer Leadership and Training Program. UCLA UniCamp is the official student charity of UCLA, operating as an independently funded, secular, non-profit organization linking UCLA students with the Los Angeles community. Each year, UniCamp inspires over 1,000 children from low-income families to envision brighter futures by sending them, along with over 400 UCLA student volunteer counselors and staff to its residential outdoor summer camp in the San Bernardino mountains. For over 80 years, UCLA UniCamp student volunteers have harnessed the healing power of the wilderness to improve their community by providing a unique outdoor camping experience for under-served children in the community.

“The TPT Virtual After School Program starts today for Emerson Community Charter MS, Marina Del Rey MS, Webster MS and Westside Global Awareness Magnet on Zoom via Schoology! See you at 3pm!”

Click here to learn more about Team Prime Time. 

 

“RowLA’s programs for middle school and high school girls are up and running (under strict covid protocols) in Marina del Rey! If you know of any girls interested in rowing, please reach out! You can message us here or email us at info@rowla.org. More information is also on our website at www.rowla.org.“

Click here to learn more about RowLA.

Fortified with coffee, doughnuts and fruit, with clouds and fog looming overhead, 300+ community volunteers headed off to their assignments. They were part of Rebuilding Together’s National Rebuilding Day, still affectionately known as Christmas in April here in the mountains.

The work took place at several locations from Arrowbear Lake to Crestline. The team of volunteers at each site was overseen by a House Captain, a licensed contractor who, not only planned the project and ordered the materials, but also made sure everything went smoothly on the big event day. “We want to make sure we get the job done professionally and complete everything we start,” said Sue Parks, Rebuilding Together Board Member. “If that means going back another day, then so be it! Wayne (Palmer) insists on having a licensed contractor at each site so that the homeowner gets a professional job.”

A delicious lunch made by volunteers is brought to each project. Bottled water and drinks are available all day.

At the end of the long day, the volunteers made their way back to the Mountain Communties Senior Center in Twin Peaks where they had registered in the morning. They were greeted by the delicious aroma of spaghetti sauce and garlic bread, prepared by members of the Mountain Sunrise Rotary club under the direction of Thacker Whyte. Palmer expressed thanks to the Rebuilding Together Board and all the volunteers. “God bless every one of you,” he said. “We’ll see you next year.”

Click here to learn more about Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities.