Buscaglia

Adventures to Dreams Enrichment

Adventures to Dreams Enrichment is a nonprofit  501(c)(3) organization, founded by Ms. Sheila G. in 2015. We provide fun, hands-on, educational activities for youth ages 5-16.

A child’s mindset begins to develop at birth. We believe that enrichment can plant positive seeds in the minds of growing youth. This is our “Busy hands = Busy minds” concept: providing activities that encourage kids to explore their limitless creativity and absorb knowledge about the world around them.

Gardening brings tranquility and peace of mind; Combined with hands-on Art and STEM, our activities open their minds to a complete potential for learning, all while experiencing fun, laughter, and excitement.Our hope is that the youth who attend our program leave with the inspiration to dream BIG and the belief they can achieve anything in life.

Adventures to Dreams Enrichment is a vital resource for youth, families, and the community it serves. Ms. Sheila wholeheartedly believes in positively shaping youth to be well rounded and prepared for their future

Salesian Family Youth Center

Since 1966, the Salesian Family Youth Center of Los Angeles – located within walking distance of more than 13,000 elementary, middle and high school students – has served the Boyle Heights and City Terrace communities by providing positive after-school activities and low-cost alternative programs for thousands of at-risk and economically disadvantaged youth between the ages of 6 and 18.

Our vision at Salesian Clubs of Los Angeles is to empower and inspire the youth, providing them with quality education, holistic development, and a supportive community. We envision a future where every young person, regardless of their background, can realize their full potential, equipped with the skills, values, and resources needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. Through our programs, we create a vibrant environment that fosters self-esteem, resilience, and a love for learning. Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty and create a society where every child has equal opportunities to thrive, enabling them to become influential change-makers in their own lives and communities.

Click here to learn more about Salesian Family Youth Center.

Kingdom Causes Bellflower

Board members play a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of our work here at Kingdom Causes Bellflower. Serving as a board member, particularly for a small non-profit like ours, is a unique and rewarding experience that allows individuals to make a tangible difference in the community.

Dan Copeland and Pastor Mike Larsen are two such individuals who made an impact in our community as board members at KCB. And now, as they transition out of their roles as board members, we reflect on the time they served and express our deepest gratitude for their support over the years. We know the seeds they’ve sown during their tenure will continue to bear fruit, making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve here at KCB.

Read on to learn more about Pastor Mike’s and Dan’s experiences serving on the KCB board and the messages of encouragement they leave for us all.

PASTOR MIKE LARSEN

Pastor Mike stands with his wife outside of Margaret’s House after finishing their volunteer work with their family for the day.

During his time on the board, Pastor Mike held the position of Secretary & Treasurer, diligently handling administrative responsibilities. When asked about his motivation for joining the KCB board, Mike explains that he was inspired by everything the organization was doing to address the felt needs within the community. It was this shared commitment to making a positive impact that drove him to serve.

Mike found immense pride in being part of a board that cared deeply about the community and its neighbors. The most rewarding aspect for him was witnessing the genuine dedication of his fellow board members. Their shared passion for making a difference created a sense of unity and purpose that made his journey on the board truly fulfilling.

Reflecting on KCB’s growth, Mike believes his biggest contribution was keeping Christ at the center of the organization’s mission. By maintaining a strong spiritual foundation, KCB was able to make a profound difference in the lives of those served by the organization.

As Mike leaves the board, he shares valuable advice for future members. He emphasizes the need to keep the people KCB serves at the forefront of decision-making processes. By prioritizing the community’s needs, the board can ensure they stay true to their purpose and continue making a meaningful impact.

In his parting words, Mike encourages the remaining board members to preserve KCB’s vision and mission by keeping Christ at the center. He urges them to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to think outside the box when seeking innovative solutions. With these principles in mind, he believes that KCB will continue to thrive and positively transform the community.

As Mike concludes his journey on the KCB board, his words of encouragement serve as a reminder of KCB’s core values and the transformative power of service. His commitment to addressing the community’s needs and his unwavering faith in the mission of KCB will undoubtedly inspire future board members to carry the torch forward and make a lasting difference.

Dan paints the ceiling of the newly remodeled kitchen at Margaret’s House.

DAN COPELAND

Dan’s commitment to seeking the Kingdom of God naturally led him to consider the invitation to serve on KCB’s board. He acknowledges the importance of Christian unity and how KCB has been instrumental in bringing together Christians from different churches in their collective efforts to develop and improve the community. Dan mentions his positive experience working alongside the dedicated staff members and contributing to projects, such as the remodeling work at Margaret’s House.

For Dan, the most rewarding aspect of being a board member was the opportunity to interact with Christians from various churches and witness firsthand the effective service provided by KCB to those in need.

Reflecting on the growth of Kingdom Causes Bellflower since joining the board, Dan emphasizes the organization’s continuous maturation in developing a Kingdom vision. He commends KCB for its efforts in mobilizing churches to address community issues collaboratively, thereby fostering unity and shared purpose among Christians.

Looking ahead, Dan believes that KCB should maintain its focus on engaging church leaders and encouraging them to identify ways in which their congregations can collectively serve the community. By fostering collaboration and shared initiatives, KCB can further its impact and address pressing community needs more effectively.

Drawing from his time on the board, Dan offers valuable advice to future board members. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and fostering unity among board members beyond formal meetings. By cultivating a sense of unity and purpose, the board can work harmoniously to advance KCB’s mission.

Dan’s message of encouragement to the KCB team and stakeholders is that God is our refuge and strength, rejoicing when His people work together in harmony and passion. With unwavering faith, he assures us that our work is not in vain and that God will continue to bless our efforts.

Dan’s dedication to seeking God’s Kingdom and his belief in the power of Christian unity serve as inspiration to all who continue the important work of KCB. As we move forward, we’ll build upon the lessons learned and the valuable contributions made by individuals like Dan, striving to create a lasting impact in the community we serve.

 

Our Community L.A. (OCLA)

Our Mission

Our Community LA® leverages technology to connect youth, families and adults experiencing homeless or in need to easily connect to essential resources that can help them make positive changes in their lives.

Our Vision

OCLA® is committed to social justice and envisions a world in which no one will be hungry, unhoused or in need of important supportive services simply because they do not know how to find help. Those who are without housing or who are resource-insecure will know that they are valued, their dignity and privacy are respected and that they have the power to search for and choose the help they need to build a life out of poverty, abuse or neglect.

OCLA outreach had a great week last week! Thank you to @culvercitygov for their Mental Health Awareness Event, @safeplaceforyouth Venice Youth Network’s monthly meetings, @chrysalissocal Santa Monica & @crimesurvivors for allowing us to present about the WIN app- we appreciate you! 

Kids and Horses

kids and horsesA sweet thank you from a rider’s parents at Kids and Horses!
“Thank you Nathan, Beth, and Keith for stopping by during the break! We love having Nathan ride with us!
Part of our time is spent taking our youngest to riding therapy, a trip of 168 miles round trip. That happens to also be our closest big town where we shop, so it’s a full day, off early AM and back late PM! But he loves it. Yesterday he got to meet one of the new horses and it looked like a good photo op time! ????
Hubby and I were thinking back to how, not so very long ago, this would have terrified our son! Now, he was having a great time, pushing the horse’s head when he got too inquisitive, pulling him around for better lighting, amazing! A couple of big dogs also showed up while we were there, and Nathan actually petted them! Thank you, Kids & Horses for all you do!”

Click here for more about Kids and Horses.

 

Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles

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A KITCHEN WITH A MISSION

We Believe…

…Everyone is entitled to a nutritious, tasty, and high-quality meal made with compassion. 

…Food has the power to bring people together within and across communities, nourish those in need, and hold a purpose for those who seek to make a positive impact.

… Individuals have the desire to address food insecurity and are deserving of valuable volunteer opportunities.

…Kind deeds not only enrich the individual who performs them but also have a multiplying effect on improving the world.

 
 
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WHAT WE DO

In the last year OBKLA held 235 cooking sessions each producing  300 meals, engaging more than 13,000 volunteers and feeding

70,000 people in need.

OBKLA unites volunteers to cook and package meals for those facing hardship. These meals are then provided to social service organizations for distribution.

Operating from a kosher industrial kitchen, OBKLA prioritizes the dignity of all participants by producing meals of high quality and fostering a joyful environment for volunteers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Journey Out

Success stories like Annie’s is just one of the reasons Leo Buscaglia Foundation supported Journey Out in 2020.

Annie is a 23 year old woman who was forced into “the Life” by a pimp who she thought was her boyfriend. Prior to her exploitation, Annie was in a Master’s program at a local university. Annie admits she was vulnerable for recruitment because she had led a sheltered life and when she went to school she was unaware of the tactics that pimps and traffickers use to lure young girls into sex trafficking and the world of commercial sexual exploitation. During the course of the relationship with her boyfriend, Annie said he romanced her and then forced her to have sex with others for money using violence and threats. After her escape from the man who was trafficking her, Annie reached out to Journey Out to attend support groups. While connected with Journey Out Annie obtained employment, and the Journey Out Case Manager connected Annie with a therapist in her neighborhood and she now receives therapy on a weekly basis. Annie stated that she was very pleased with the program and she was happy to attend groups where she felt free to talk openly about what she went through while she was being sexually exploited. Annie plans on returning to University for her Master’s degree in the near future.

Click here to learn more about Journey Out. 

Friends of Mark Twain Middle School

Friends of Mark Twain (FOMT) Middle School  – A 501(c)(3) charitable organization

Our specific and primary purposes are to form a permanent organization of parents/guardians, community members, and school staff interested in enhancing and supporting the programs and facilities of Mark Twain Middle School World Languages Magnet & Arts Academy of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD.net).  

We raise and expend funds to achieve our purposes, working in conjunction with the school governance council(s) and administrative personnel in determining the specific projects to be funded.  We cooperate with other organizations engaged in similar endeavors to maximize the programs and benefits to Mark Twain Middle School.  

We strive to present a positive image of Mark Twain Middle School in the community and raise the profile of the school through outreach, publicity, events, and personal interaction.

Members include parents, legal guardians, or other adult family members who represent our voting members.  All administrators, teachers, and staff currently employed at Mark Twain Middle School makeup our non-voting stakeholders.  Non-Voting membership is also open to those stakeholders and organizations who support our purpose and mission.  There are no mandatory annual dues for members of FOMT but voluntary donations are encouraged from all members.”

Click here to learn more about other 2020 recipients.

Marcus Foster Education Institute

Our work achieves equity in education through continuous improvement and program design that actualize substantive and measurable improvements.

We envision a world with redesigned educational systems that center equity and accountability in order to truly uplift the health and wealth of the communities they serve.

Equity-Centered, Systems-Focused Continuous Improvement, combined with program design.

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