LA Y Centers for Community Well-Being

Social support networks

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The urgency to connect vulnerable individuals in Los Angeles with trusted, dependablesupport programs has never been greater. An epidemic of loneliness affecting 33% of adults contributes to widespread physical and mental health challenges. Adverse effects of socio-economic disparities strongly impact low-income children and families: 20% experience food insecurity and housing instability. Moreover, educational inequalities deepen as students in lower-income districts have access to 25% fewer educational resources compared to their wealthier counterparts, exacerbating economic challenges such as job insecurity and persistent poverty, which affect 15% of the urban population. Access to healthcare in underprivileged areas is 50% less than others, and a lack of civic engagement results in many communities, especially minorities, being underrepresented. Young people across L.A. County lack crucial developmental support, leading to a 30% higher dropout rate compared to national averages.

Funding from The Goldhirsh Foundation and LA2050 will support essential social impact programs at all LA Y Centers for Community Well-Being throughout Los Angeles. This initiative addresses all the issues noted above while fostering a holistic improvement in community and individual wellness. Social isolation is ameliorated by an environment ensuring belonging and inclusion – where no one is ever turned away due to financial hardship. Equitable access to educational programs and resources includes tutoring and after-school care, plus Early Learning Readiness for underprivileged students. Connectivity results from robust programs such as Immigration Services outreach, unique seniors programming and our historic volunteer engagement, each with resources that promote personal development and social networks. Health disparities are addressed by comprehensive healthcare support, our FeedLA food/produce distribution initiative and Healthy Lifestyles education, improving physical and mental health outcomes, particularly those historically underserved. Teen civic engagement is driven by our California Youth & Government program, Girls Empowerment initiative, and Boys and Young Men of Color group, ensuring more young voices are heard in public decision-making. Youth development is supported by our Cradle to Career Success program, fostering not only educational aptitude but also social and emotional growth, preparing the next generation for future challenges.

Our initiative will change the community landscape throughout the County, fostering a thriving, inclusive environment where every person has equal access to health, education, and social stability. To create a future where social isolation is supplanted by belonging and civic engagement, health disparities are curtailed and youth are supported academically and personally, we are poised to scale our efforts extensively. Over the next five years, our plan increases the number of community centers by 10% each year, alongside a 15% annual expansion in program reach. This strategic growth is supported by a progressive budget allocation that escalates from $2.17 million in the first year to $9.62 million by the fifth year, encompassing hiring, technology upgrades, and program supplies to enhance service delivery and impact. This comprehensive scaling strategy ensures that our initiative not only achieves sustained impact while creating model for sustainable growth throughout L.A. County.

The LA Y measures this initiative's impact through detailed data collection and analysis and anecdotal methodologies.We have a dedicated internal contact management system which captures and tracks participant data such as household infrastructure and financial hardship. This information is mission-critical in the creation of meaningful programming and support opportunities for low-income individuals and families. Surveys, focus groups, and interviews provide qualitative feedback, increasing program effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. Evidence of effectiveness to date includes (1) increased participant demographics, (2) growing program attendance, and (3) positive outcomes measurement. Key indicators show enhanced community engagement, improved health access, reduced educational disparities, and greater economic stability. These metrics, coupled with continuous program evaluations, drive new programming which addresses the evolving needs of our community members.