Executive Director Peter Straus created TEAM PRIME TIME (TPT) in response to the critical need for after-school programming for at–risk children from low–income areas of Los Angeles. With over eighteen years of experience teaching and coaching in LAUSD Schools and at his Prime Time Sports Camp, Straus was all too familiar with this crisis. Most programs that did exist ended at the elementary school level, creating the void at the middle school level TEAM PRIME TIME set out to fill.
TPT first opened its doors on February 6, 2001 to 21 students at Webster Middle School (Webster MS) a Title 1 school where over 75 percent of students qualified for some form of government aid. The program continues to enjoy great success as demonstrated by the program’s sustained growth, enhanced program content, strategic partnerships, and ultimately, the ongoing success of the students in the program. There are currently over 250 students enrolled at Webster MS alone, a twelve-fold enrollment increase in less than 8 years!
In the Fall of 2004 Team Prime Time extended its programming to an additional at-risk population – children with developmental disabilities – by creating its full-inclusion sports program, the Prime Time Games ® (the GAMES.) As the centerpiece of TPT’s leadership component, the GAMES gives TPT students the opportunity to peer–mentor and coach, creating a win–win situation for everyone involved. Over 300 “athletes” have participated in the GAMES since its inception.
TPT looks forward to celebrating the 32nd Season of the Prime Time Games in the Spring 2017.
The 2006-07 academic year provided even more excitement as TPT, in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), opened two new sites, Palms Middle School and Westside Leadership Magnet. In so doing, TPT doubled its outreach, providing comprehensive after-school programming for over 600 at–risk youth.
TPT opened it’s 4th location, Emerson Middle School, in the Fall of 2008. By the end of the 2008-09 academic year, TPT was serving over 600 students per day, and over 1,500 students per year, a 75-fold increase in just 8 years.
2012 proved to be another historic year for TPT. The much-anticipated Prime Time Games High School Division Pilot Program (“Varsity Games”) got off to a great start with Venice High School and University High School participating in the first full inclusion high school sports league of its kind. University HS won the best of three basketball season series, 2 -1. TPT looks forward to welcoming at least 2 new schools to the Prime Time League in Spring, 2013.
The 2012-13 school year also saw TPT open its 5th after school program location, Marina Middle School. In 2018, we now have 8 After School Programs with the addition of Studio School, City School and CLIC. This truly solidified TPT’s place as the leader in providing quality after school care for our community’s most at risk children – middle school students – during the most dangerous hours of the day – from 3pm – 6pm.
That’s what we mean when we say, “Helping Our Kids When It Matters Most.”
“Last month we hosted a Healing Touch workshop where we learned the basics of using energy healing on ourselves and others. Thanks to Bear and Laurie from Healing Touch of California for leading!”
Team Prime Time received a grant to provide resources and purchase equipment and materials for TPT’s programs including Prime Time Games, Prime Time Trials, Westside BAY Club “Adopt a Beach” program with Heal the Bay and Marshall Mentors program in conjunction with the USC Marshall School of Business. The mission of Team Prime Time is to provide 
intervention programs for at-risk youth from low-income areas of Los Angeles that combine academics, athletics, leadership training and the arts in order to prepare them for the future and allow them to reach their full potential.
The Healing WELL offers calm in the storms of poverty and prejudice, mental illness, substance abuse and addiction. Inspired by ideals of compassion and justice, we love and guide one another so we can step further into brighter futures, healing ourselves and our greater community.” They promote healing and wellness by offering free daily sessions like meditation, yoga and 12-step support groups to an average of 160 low-income people each month. 
“While doing massage at Lava Mae’s Pop Up Care Village in Oakland yesterday a gentlemen left saying. “Wow…. you just changed my day. You really lifted my spirits and changed my whole day.” Thank you again for allowing for us to be a caring presence amongst those in our community that are unhoused. We are grateful for you!”
“Do you have some extra cheer to spread this holiday season? Come join Big Sunday at our annual Holiday Sing-a-Long!
Strength in Support received a grant for their Three Pillars of Support program. The mission of Strength in Support is to provide mental health services to military personnel, veterans and their families, including individual and family therapy, mentorship and education to address all areas of our heroes’ well-being. Their vision is for every service man, service woman, veteran and their family members to have the mental health services, resources and support they need and deserve.
“This weekend we took a group of students on a college tour to the University of Redlands. Our students enjoyed an exclusive tour throughout the dorms and campus community, followed by an informational session, all you can eat lunch, and a “private” saxophone concert. These tours are imperative because while we encourage our scholars to set their goals high, walking the campus and being apart of the atmosphere, inspires each student to work hard in order to intentionally set those dreams into motion.