Celebrating Success Breakfast Tribute Book 2021

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Wel com e t o t h e 26t h An n u al Cel ebr at i n g Su ccess Br eak f ast Welcome to the Westside Coalition?s 26th Annual Celebrating Success Breakfast! This has been a year that has continued to challenge all of our norms and our patience; one we never expected would continue the way it has. This pandemic has served to underscore the excellency of the organizations that make up the Westside Coalition. Each of the organizations has had to adapt to how they serve those in need, and each has done so with creativity, compassion and resilience.

On this twenty-sixth year of our incredible event, we recognize 18 individuals, each with their own unique story of their journey to live again with dignity while they moved from homeless to housed.

The stories contained in this tribute book represent only a few among the thousands of others who move out of homelessness each year. We also recognize the outstanding efforts of 18 Community Support recipients. These are individuals who stand out from the crowd of hard working and caring people in our community. They exhibit exceptional talent and compassion, helping to make profound differences for the agencies or the clients they serve and the community at large.

We have had the immense privilege of working for a second year with well known Hollywood Director, Gary Halvorson, and his beautiful fiance Audrey Antis. Doing this event for a second time represents unbelievable generosity by virtue of their time investment alone not to mention countless trips back and forth from New York City. They have also given their expertise, called in favors and helped us in so many ways that we would otherwise be unable to duplicate on our own. Thank you Gary! Thank you Audrey! We are humbled by your generosity and your friendship. You both have made it possible to tell these important stories once again this year.

As you hear and read the stories of this year 's client honorees, you will better understand that there are many different paths to homelessness and that homelessness can affect anyone. No one intends to become homeless, but through a series of circumstances, anyone can end up on our streets with no place to turn. This is why the Westside Coalition and our member organizations work together to provide a continuum of service care that helps individuals and families to stabilize and thrive in permanent housing.

And this year 's community support honorees are a shining example of selflessness and sacrifice. And they do it for an agency or organization serving people that most of them will never meet. They are the picture of generosity and possess keen vision to create workable solutions to assist the agencies.

These are individuals that give of their time, their talent and their money to make our community a better place. And they ask nothing in return. These are unsung heroes in our midst and we could not be prouder to acknowledge their important contribution to the agencies and to the community.

Thank you for joining us today to acknowledge these strong, determined and inspirational individuals who have overcome homelessness, as well as some incredible businesses, volunteers Board members, etc. who you will hear about also. We also thank our incredibly generous sponsors that have supported this work; we could not do this without you! And we are grateful for each person/organization that has purchased a ticket; we appreciate your support more than you realize.

When we work together, we can end homelessness!

Sincerely, Darci Niva, Executive Director- Westside Coalition 2

Wh at ?s In side t h e Tr ibu t e Book - Order of Show - Meet our Dir ect or , Gary Halvorson

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- 2021 Par t n er sh ip Aw ar d Winner

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- Ou r Spon sor s- Cultivator, Germinators, Planters

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- The 2021 Celebrating Success Hon or ees

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- Com m u n it y Su ppor t Award Recipients

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- Westside Coalition M em ber s

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- Westside Coalition Boar d of Dir ect or s

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- Event Com m it t ee

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- Special Th an k s

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Or der of Sh ow -

Count down Clock begins at 8:15 am 8:30- Open in g Video M on t age-r e-edit ed an d r edon e- set to Andra Day's song Rise Up (music used by permission) Welcom e- Actor Rainn Wilson Sh ow In t r odu ct ion - Rev. Eric Shafer, Board Chairman for Westside Coalition Open in g t alk - Darci Niva, Executive Director, Westside Coalition In t r odu ct ion of Spon sor s NBA st ar Rich ar d Jef f er son introduces the Client Honorees M eet t h is year 's in cr edible Hon or ees Su per visor Sh eila Ku eh l Introduces the Partnership Award Par t n er sh ip Aw ar d recipient- Rev. Eric Shafer Act or s Gigi Rice an d Ted M cGin ley introduce the Community Support Honorees Meet this year 's remarkable Com m u n it y Su ppor t Hon or ees Dir ect or Gar y Halvor son introduces Honoree Speaker #1 Br it t an y Walk er - honored by Upward Bound House Ju les Baer makes another appearance Dr . Va Lecia Adam s-Kellu m speaks about innovative housing options Hou sin g Video Dr . Va Lecia Adam s-Kellu m introduces Speaker #2 Br en da M eln ick - honored by PATH Act or An dr ew Keegan makes an appearance again this year Repr esen t at ive Ted Lieu speaks about veteran issues Au dr ey An t is introduces Speaker #3 Ch ar les Walk er - honored by Meals on Wheels West Final appearance of Ju les an d An dr ew Th an k you s- Rev. Shafer and Darci Closin g Cr edit s

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Gar y Halvor son

Event Direct or

Gary Halvorson, a fifteen-time Emmy award winner, is a graduate from Boston University, where he studied classical music.

From directing Broadway productions to variety specials, from children?s programs to the most successful sitcoms on television including: Friends, Two and a Half Men, Everyone Loves Raymond,and Roseanne, just to name a few. Gary?s greatest directorial achievements are with the Metropolitan Opera House.

As the Met?s director of choice, and after 15 seasons of the Met Opera?s LIVE IN HD program, Halvorson is currently directing the Met?s: STARS LIVE recital series, with hopes of keeping music alive during the worldwide pandemic.

Halvorson has directed over fifty operas for television including Figaro with Bryne Terfel and Cecilia Bartolo, Wozzek, The Merry Widow, and Carmen, just to name a few. A frequent collaborator with Michael Tilson Thomas, he has directed the award winning documentaries of the San Francisco Symphony Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, as well as Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, plus many others. He was also chosen to direct the Grand Reopening of Carnegie Hall.

Having reached the pinnacle of success in various capacities, Gary is anxious to keep expanding his horizons and to continue to share his love for music through his directing and artistic creativity.

Anyone who knows Gary knows that Audrey is truly the person responsible for the magic that Gary creates. Audrey, you are simply incredible. We would not be able to accomplish this enormous feat without your organization, your steadiness, and your all around-brilliance. Thank you Audrey for every minute that you have poured into this event and generously given to us.

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Rev. Er ic Sh af er Part nership Award Recipient Th e Rev. Er ic Ch r ist oph er Sh af er became the Senior Pastor of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica in April of 2014. Since that time the congregation has shown remarkable growth, more than doubling in membership.Some 5,000 people pass through Mt. Olive each week.

Un der Past or Sh af er 's leader sh ip, Mt. Olive has welcomed the Bruin Shelter to Mt. Olive, the first shelter for homeless college students in the USA. The shelter opened in October 2016 and has attracted media coverage throughout the USA including articles in the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times as well as a feature on National Public Radio (NPR) and television news coverage on PBS and a 2019 feature news story on CBS Sunday Morning. Shafer was awarded the ?Community Service Appreciation Award? for ?Interfaith Humanitarian Service? by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2017.He is featured in the City of Santa Monica?s ?We Are Santa Monica? campaign part of this project included public bus ads with his photo. In 2019 Shafer was the recipient of the ?4-Way Test Award? from the Rotary Club of Santa Monica.

Since the opening of the Bruin Shelter, Students 4 Students has opened three additional shelters in California.

Sh af er also h elped f ou n d the new Santa Monica Area Interfaith Council. Following the mass attack on gay and lesbian people in Orlando in 2016, Shafer helped organize a "Love Orlando, Music Heals" benefit concert at Mt. Olive, raising funds for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Florida. Shafer serves as chair of the board of the Westside (Los Angeles) Coalition for Housing, Hunger, and Health and on the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council, the President?s Council for the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, the Santa Monica College General Advisory Board, and the Advisory Committee for the Day1 preaching ministry. From 2014 - 2019 he was a founding board member and treasurer of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, a California non-profit working for immigration rights and against mass incarceration.

Sh af er cam e t o Calif or n ia from New York City and his position as Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Faith Community Relations for Odyssey Networks, where he was responsible for fund-raising and relationships among US faith groups. While at Odyssey he led efforts to open membership to faith groups beyond Christianity, Judaism and Islam and greatly expanded fund-raising and membership. For his efforts in producing CBS television?s 2012 Christmas Eve special, ?One Christmas Story: People Rich in Spirit,? Shafer was named ?2012 Religion Communicator of the Year.?

He is a gr adu at e of Tr in it y Lu t h er an Sem in ar y in Columbus, Ohio and Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania and serves on Muhlenberg?s Board of Directors. Shafer has extensive international expertise including time teaching in South Africa and Madagascar and multiple trips to Jerusalem and the West Bank. He may be best known for his work, while at the ELCA in Chicago, on the stop-motion animation children?s program,Davey and Goliath,? where he served as Executive Producer of 2004?sDavey and Goliath?s Snowboard Christmas.

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EVENT SPONSORS

Th an k you Spon sor s!

We Cou ldn't Do Th is Wit h ou t You !

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KAISER PERM ANENTE WLA-CULTIVATOR SPONSOR

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GERM INATOR SPONSORS

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GERM INATOR SPONSORS (con t .)

Ever yon e In is a com m u n it y m ovem en t t o en d ou r h om elessn ess an d h ou sin g cr isis by bu ildin g pu blic an d polit ical w ill t o cr eat e solu t ion s w e k n ow w or k : af f or dable an d su ppor t ive h ou sin g in ever y par t of L.A. Cou n t y.

Ou r m ission is t o k eep L.A. on t r ack by celebr at in g pr ogr ess w h er e w e see it , pu t t in g pr essu r e on gover n m en t at ever y level t o do m or e, an d or gan izin g ou r n eigh bor s t o speak u p f or ch an ge. Th e vast m ajor it y of people ou t t h er e ar e w ait in g t o get or gan ized.

Hom elessn ess is ever yon e?s pr oblem . Each of u s h as a r igh t t o saf et y, st abilit y an d h ou sin g, an d each of u s h as a r espon sibilit y t o speak u p f or h u m an dign it y. Ever y cit y, n eigh bor h ood, an d n eigh bor m u st do t h eir par t t o en su r e t h at all w h o w an t can com e in f r om t h e st r eet s.

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GERM INATOR SPONSORS (con t .)

We want your experience with us to be comfortable, productive, relaxing and memorable.

FAIRM ONT M IRAM AR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS Our outreach mission is to enable the people of St. Matthew's to walk together with and beside those in need.

Loving, Liberating and Life-giving There?s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place.....

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PLANTER SPONSORS

Keh illat Isr ael Kehillat Israel is an inclusive Jewish community, which honors diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds. Grounded in Jewish cultural and religious tradition, and guided by the core Reconstructionist principle to value both the wisdom of the past and the need for evolving belief and practice, KI seeks through prayer, learning and Tikkun Olam to create a sacred space in which its members of all ages may find meaning, purpose and joy.

Em er it u s Pr of essor Kevin M cCar dle UCLA Anderson School of Management 12

Before assuming his leadership role at St. Monica Catholic Schools, Dr. Kevin McCardle served as a professor of decisions, operations and technology management at UCLA?s Anderson School of Management. A member of the UCLA Anderson faculty since 1999, Dr. McCardle was a senior associate dean and director of MBA programs from 2007 until 2010.

Dr. McCardle also finds time to serve as board chair of the St. Joseph Center.

PLANTER SPONSORS (Con t .)

Mt. Olive Lutheran is a church for the whole community in Santa Monica, California Come share our commitments of worship, service, education, support, and the arts!

St u den t s 4 St u den t s est ablish es an d pr om ot es collabor at ive sh elt er s f or you n g people, by you n g people t o en d college h om elessn ess

Fr eedom To M ove We?re reimagining the way people and cities flow .

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PLANTER SPONSORS (Con t .)

Cookies has always represented a lifestyle of excellence, quality, and taste. Living the best life possible and always striving to grow.

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For 26 years, the Westside Coalition has organized the Celebrating Success Breakfast to recognize people who have made the difficult transition from a life on the streets or in unstable housing to being permanently housed. Getting stable housing is one of the most important steps to helping people rebuild their lives and begin the road to recovery and health. It is also one of the most difficult, because of the lack of available spaces.

Each honoree is nominated by a member agency of the Westside Coalition for their resilience, hard work and tireless spirit, which ultimately led to their success.

We are proud to share the real life stories of the 18 individuals who are honored this year at the Celebrating Success Breakfast.

The honorees are men and women, families, veterans, students and professionals, as well as those who have struggled with illness, sacrificed while caring for others and battled addiction.

They have experienced ups and downs and found themselves in situations they could never have imagined they would experience. And yet, they persevered and continue to grow which shows us the strength of the human spirit.

The dedicated members of the nominating agencies are prime examples of the power of teamwork and the strength of collaboration. The stories illustrate how these talented agencies help people to find housing and the resources that lead to a better life.

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Cl i en t Hon or ees, N om i n at i n g Agen ci es an d Com m i t t ee M em ber Name of Honoree

Nominating Agency

Committee Members

Brenda Melnick

PATH

Jessica Soriano

Brittany Walker

Upward Bound House

Paula Brooks

Charles Walker

Meals on Wheels West

Eliza Brooke

Estrus Davis

CLARE| Matrix

David Cohen

Gilbert Espinosa

Salvation Army

Gilbert Espinosa

Jeffrey Jenkins

St. Joseph Center

Evie Shapiro

Jessica Chenault

Miriam's House

Sarah Reyes

Kevin Lopez

Safe Place for Youth

Alonzo Urita

Leilani Reed

Imagine LA

Monet Bagneris Tolbert

Marlon Mendez

New Directions for Veterans

Daniel Salguero

Marsha Sipple

Venice Community Housing

Myyrna Bohan

Meta

Safe Place for Youth

Alonzo Urita

Ralph Thompson

New Directions

Daniel Salguero

Sharon E. Holmes

The People Concern

Nadine Hanley, Kate Berman

Sharon Gelfand

Venice Family Clinic

Evonne Biggs

Tara Jones

Alcott Center

Ashley McGullum

Toni White

Chrysalis

Ricardo Alfaro

Twanna Bergese

Westwood Transitional Village Teya McCockran

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Br en da M eln ick PATH I have spent most of my life proud of myself because I am for real - what you see is what you get. I was a people person, always entertaining family and friends.

I felt I was devoted to my career and family.

At 58 my world changed.I had a nervous breakdown. I knew something was wrong. I felt my mind slipping and I didn't ask for help although I desperately needed it. I expected the people in my life to do it for me. They did not.

The things I embraced with pride had worn everybody out. Me being myself, knowing that I have mental health issues is and was draining for everyone around me, including me.

I lost everything: career - 38 years, job - 25 years, my dog Oreo, my apartment, my car, my belongings, relationships with friends and family that remain unrestored even though they took a lifetime to achieve. It happened quickly. I tried to end my life. I am grateful I didn't succeed. I am meant to be here.

I had to navigate a system I knew nothing about. I fought hard for my benefits. I worked at Ralph's as a courtesy clerk. I had to surrender and participate in an intense mental health program during a pandemic and quarantine. PATH, specifically Jessica, insured that I had a safe place to do this - a home. I am still a work in progress, and I make mistakes. The difference is I have the tools required to handle myself.

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Br it t an y Walk er Upw ar d Bou n d Hou se I am a 32-year-old single mother of four loving children who bring me joy and keep me wellrounded and focused.

Seven years ago, I was faced with a failed and abusive marriage that left me homeless. I worked various jobs to try to re-stabilize our lives, but it was a daunting task. Upward Bound House gave me a place to regain my strength and focus.

While there, I started a mother ?s support group called, ?Mothers Strengthening Mothers.? My group?s focus was to help empower and uplift other mothers who faced or were facing similar situations, while also trying to discourage adolescent pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. Our motto is?I am a Victor, not a Victim.?

To give back what was given to me, in 2018, ?Mothers Strengthening Mothers? had a very successful Mommy and Massages event in Playa Vista for homeless mothers. We picked up and transported mothers from Upward Bound House and other places. It was a day of pampering and perspective. I wanted to inspire women to keep dreaming and pushing and realize that their current circumstance was not their endpoint. I then began working as a Case Manager with Transitional Youth at The Good Seed, and I have started my own non-profit called, ?Butterfly?s Haven, which will soon be a Transitional Living shelter for pregnant women and women with children.

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Ch ar les Walk er M eals on Wh eels West I was a corpsman in the Navy. After leaving the service, I became a licensed nurse and worked at healthcare facilities and later as a successful private duty nurse. I got married and had two daughters. I was a homeowner, then after divorcing, I raised my kids on my own as a single father. Working as a nurse, I severely injured my back and got triple hernias while helping a patient. I had to stop working. Treatment didn?t help, and I became dependent on pain pills, and started drinking vodka; I was self-medicating.

Unable to work, I lost my home and ended up on the streets of Downtown LA. Luckily, I was helped by a caseworker from the VA. I had to go to ICU and later, the psych ward. For 12 months, I was in a treatment program at the VA in West LA. After becoming clean and sober, I was placed in an apartment in Santa Monica by OPCC using a VASH voucher. I still needed cancer and hernia surgeries, but I had diabetes and was overweight, and therefore, not healthy enough for surgery.

I enrolled in Meals on Wheels West?s Supporting Veterans on the Homefront program and received medically appropriate diabetic meals. I also began to exercise on the program. With proper nutrition and counseling, I got my A1C down, lost weight and was able to have two successful surgeries. I continued to receive meals while I healed healthily at home.

After recuperation, I was able to reconnect with my family and start a new life. I?m grateful to have received help from Meals on Wheels West, OPCC, American Legion Post 283 and the VA. Every day is a blessing.

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Est r u s Davis CLARE| M at r ix

I became homeless when I was jobless and hanging out with the wrong people. My family didn?t accept me because of my intoxication, so I felt that the only way I could find acceptance was to be around others as involved with alcohol as I was. In my mind, I came to the point where I accepted myself as a homeless alcoholic.

One night, I ran into my son at a party. I was in an alcoholic state. My son urged me to get help. This was when I realized I need to reach out to the community, so I contacted the American Recovery Center, who put me in contact with CLARE| Matrix. I was enrolled in an intensive outpatient treatment in November after successfully completing the residential program at CLARE| Matrix. I was able to participate in many of their programs and I qualified for studies, all of which have helped my journey of sobriety. While I was living in Santa Monica I enjoyed taking walks to the pier and surrounding areas. Because of Clare| Matrix?s help and support, I am now in a sober living house in Long Beach and celebrate over 400 days of sobriety. I have reconnected with my family which is the most important thing in my life.

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Gilber t Espin oza Salvat ion Ar m y Reh abilit at ion Cen t er When I was very young my parents struggled with drug addiction which led to incarceration, and ultimately left me abandoned emotionally, and physically. The abuse I endured as a child led to low self-esteem. The only thing that countered that, was joining a gang with my childhood friends, which gave me a sense of belonging, identity, and a criminal record with years of juvenile facilities, jails, and prisons. Drug addiction became the biggest challenge I would ever face and rendered me hopeless.

Soon after I had my first child, I experienced unbearable heartache when I went to jail, and abandoned him like my parents did with me. I was desperate for help. So, I bailed out and walked into the Santa Monica Salvation Army ARC.I?ll never forget how the intake coordinator, Jesse Wright, spoke to me with empathy, and gave me hope despite my situation, (being on bail facing 12 years for another high-speed chase, gun, and drugs possession). He told me to ?trust the process? and helped me understand that everything I would go through would prepare me for what I prayed for? a better life.

I learned so much about myself at the Salvation Army. After completing the program, I decided to join community members who are making a positive impact in the lives of others. I started working in rehab facilities, took classes for addiction studies at ELAC and Pierce college. Four years after I bailed out of jail, I became a certified addictions treatment counselor. Three days later I turned myself in to custody to resolve my case and got sent to prison for 9 months.

During my time in jail, I planted seeds of hope in as many inmates as I could. Just recently I became Intake Coordinator at the Salvation Army taking over for Jesse Wright who was there for me since my journey began. I am happy and proud to say that I will celebrating my 6-year sobriety in November.

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Jef f r ey Jen k in s St . Joseph Cen t er I have been homeless for over 13 years. I was given the opportunity for Project RoomKey in Venice (PRK-Cadillac) when COVID-19 hit California. I wasn?t aware of where my life was headed, and I felt alone and scared. PRK provided me with a bed that I hadn?t slept on in years. They provided me structure, meals, and all the documentation needed for housing. I was given the opportunity to view interim housing located in Los Angeles. I accepted the housing opportunity they offered. I moved in on 02/23/2021. They provided me with 3 months of free rent and a furnished room. I have been working with my Case Manager Dante Harrington. He has helped me with documentation. He also assisted me with obtaining resources such as the COVID vaccination.

I have allowed St. Joseph Center (SJC) to continue to assist me by doing my part and continuing to engage in services.

Since then, I had the opportunity to get employment with SJC as an Ambassador of the Ocean Front Walk Encampment-to-Home (OFW E2H) project and help those homeless on the boardwalk, which are the same people that I lived with during my time being homeless. I am very thankful to be part of this organization.

Thank you, Jeffrey Jenkins 22

Jessica Ch en au lt M ir iam 's Hou se

I grew up with a dad in and out of prison and a mom who wasn't around. My great grandmother took care of me until the courts put me in foster care. I never felt wanted, so I ran away and started using drugs.

I got pregnant at 15 and again at 17. I was getting high and lost custody of my boys to the foster care system. I got pregnant again and couldn't stop using. I lost myself after my third son was taken away. I remember waking up saying I can't do this anymore. I was tired and I wanted to get clean. After rehab, I started seeing my baby and it gave me the will to keep going. I had a sponsor who called Miriam?s House and got me an interview.

I was not the perfect resident at Miriam's House, but I followed the rules and got along. After 8 months at Miriam?s House, I got an apartment and went back to school. Today I work in a dental office, own a home, and have full custody of my youngest son with visits from my oldest. I have managed to stay clean and achieve all of this while going to meetings.

My time at Miriam?s House gave me a foundation for sobriety and for life. By Rhonda taking a chance on a broken girl and allowing me into Miriam?s house, I learned to be the best mother, wife, and daughter again. Thanks to the structure and support, I have a life again. Thank you Miriam?s House.

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Kevin Lopez Saf e Place f or You t h Personally, being homeless has been the best part and worst part of my life. It may sound odd to say good, but I left an unhappy place where I didn?t belong and since then, I have met so many people and had new experiences.

However, being homeless is also one of the worst experiences I have had. There is a constant struggle of where am I going to stay tonight? How am I going to eat?

How will I live today? Every day I?d wonder, is it going to be a bad day? Or a good day? A good day to me might be that I had some food and someone said hi to me.

I sought out SPY, as I had heard about it. Even if I was having a bad day, I was happy to speak to people at SPY for example. I am now living at A Bridge Home, an emergency shelter. Living here gives me security and I can leave my stuff here, which includes important documents, and do my laundry and go about my day and know that I can come back any time and have a safe place to be at the end of the day.

Some highlights/achievements for me have been being able to have new experiences in the last few years and traveling to places where I would have never imagined being able to go. I would say a personal achievement has been being able to obtain important documents like getting my social security number, birth certificate, and health care. I had to set these things up on my own and with some support from SPY. A lot of people have these things already with help from their family and friends. It has been an achievement to get all of these ?grown up?items organized on my own when I was just 18.

SPY has given me so much, first of all, a safe and warm place to sleep and also emotional stability and support. I had an internship at SPY?s Garden and I had never had a job before. It really helped me develop work experience and skills, and it made me grow into the person I am today. I also learned a lot about health and healthy eating habits. Who knew you can make salad so enjoyable? When SPY connected me to the internship everything was changing for the better and when I got it, I was like this it's finally my time to shine!

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Leilan i Reed Im agin e LA I spent my childhood in Los Angeles and Hawaii, loving people and using the little I had to help my grandma and her senior neighbors. People would not have realized that behind my smile and willingness to serve, I was navigating childhood trauma. I later got into a relationship with someone who abused drugs. As it began getting violent, I left that relationship? resulting in me experiencing homelessness while mothering four children.

We went from Door of Hope to Union Station in Pasadena, then to Good Shepherd in LA. While residing at Good Shepherd with my 12-year-old son, my case manager told me about Imagine LA?s wonderful mentorship program and case management. After receiving permanent housing, I gratefully enrolled in Imagine LA?s program and loved the support we received. My son?s mentor supported him throughout high school and helped him apply for college and scholarships (and is still actively involved in his life). My son graduated high school last year and attends Morehouse college with a full-ride scholarship from the Michael Jordan Wings Scholarship program.

Today, I am blessed. As a mother of four, grandmother to six, and having been a foster parent, I have sustained permanent housing. For the past 10 years, I have worked with SEIU Local 2015, and I am a member of the Executive Board and the Bargaining Committee, negotiating on behalf of union members. I serve on the Pastoral Care team at Open Door Worship Center assisting Bishop Dion Douglas. I joyfully serve as an Imagine LA Ambassador and an Imagine LA Champion for Change, joining hands with Imagine LA to combat systemic injustices and address issues related to homelessness and housing. ?I believe that nothing is about me, I just try to help someone else. And I try to sow good seeds because you reap what you sow.?- Leilani Reed 25

M ar lon M en dez New Dir ect ion s f or Vet er an s I was a Navy Diver, a part of the search and rescue team, and I served in Afghanistan. When I returned home, I didn?t know what was wrong with me. I turned to drugs, stealing, anger, and eventually, I became homeless, not realizing I suffered from PTSD. I was a mess.

After going to 7 rehabs, I hit my rock bottom when my father suffered from Alzheimer?s. He was my best friend, and it was because of him, I became a Navy Diver. Now, it was my turn to take care of him, but in order to do that, I had to step up and be a man.

New Directions helped me by allowing me to give myself a second chance at life. I had to deal with all the issues I had, especially the PTSD. With their help, I made appointments for my mental health, I worked on my recovery and I learned new skills to help with my PTSD. I had to start my life over from scratch. For me, the key was to sit down and shut up and do what I had to do.

My sponsor always told me to never be complacent. I started working as a food driver with the VA, then as a driver/ vehicle operator. I went to school at Loyola Marymount University, I volunteered for 3 years at Veterans of America, and I now work as a Peer Support Specialist for Veterans.

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M ar sh a Sipple Ven ice Com m u n it y Hou sin g Marsha and her son were unhoused for more than 7 years, staying at various shelters and transitional programs on the Westside, including Venice Community Housing?s Westminster TLC for a year. While at the Westminster TLC, Marsha persevered through the unexpected death of a close family member and her own health challenges, but was determined to find a safe and comfortable home where she could spend quality time with her son.

What was supposed to be a four-month stay ended up becoming a year after several bumps in her housing search journey. As Marsha said, ?Life shows up regardless of what you?re going through.? Marsha and her son persisted and have now moved into permanent housing as of May 2021. Her son, 6?7 at 17, is completing his senior year of high school and cherishing the time left at home with his mother. He has already received offers to play collegiate basketball and football and will be embarking on a journey of his own next year.

During their stay at the Westminster TLC, Marsha worked diligently on her housing search, was empowered to be involved in housing equity advocacy, and improving her computer skills. Marsha and her son moved into their own apartment this past June.

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M et a Saf e Place f or You t h Hello everyone, My name is Adam but people who really know me call me Meta. Originally, I'm from the South Bronx, New York. I've been coming back and forth from New York to California since I was 13 years old. I know that sounds really young, and it is. When I was 13 I had to emancipate myself from my father, just a really rough family life. I got my very first apartment at 13, but I was so young I didn't know anything about paying bills, managing money, and having a good work ethic, so eventually I got evicted.

Once on the streets, I decided to travel. First I went to Nashville Tennessee, then Atlanta Georgia, then New Orleans, Last of all I was California bound. When I got to California, one would think i would have hit the ground running, however i didn't. I didn't want to be like every other homeless youth on the streets and ask for money so i decided to try to give the community something, whether it was me playing my guitar, or me doing tarot readings to help the community or even making wire wrapped jewelry for people to enjoy. I learned how to make money while still being out on the streets, and just a little bit about entrepreneurship. I was happy being on the streets. Were there hard times? Absolutely, however I was happy doing the things I loved and making money off of it.

I will never forget there was this one girl who met me when I was on the streets and she changed everything. She was the first one in my life who I felt really believed in me. She told me I was better than my situation and what I was going through.... no one had ever told me that. I wanted to create a life with her more than anything, so I started on that process. I linked with Safe Place for Youth and utilized their education and employment department to work on my resume and send out applications. Eventually I landed a job at a Matcha Shop Cafe and I linked with a program down by MacArthur Park called project network recovery, and they helped me get into an apartment in Long Beach. I am so grateful to have gone through all my trials and tribulations and still come out on top.

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Ralph Th om pson New Dir ect ion s f or Vet er an s I am a Veteran who was in Clinical Program of New Directions. This program is designed to help with overcoming obstacles in life plus addictions, to understand more.

It has helped me in becoming more aware of how to understand things that I go through and how I perceive them. It also helped with my addiction and let see that I?m not alone. This place has a therapist for me, one on one consultations, or talks who listened and gave advise. My favorite was Nero-feedback that was really helpful to the counselors who are there to talk to and help, all of the staff really.

My accomplishments while being in program were the classes I attended on certain aspects of life that I had stop using. So what I did was completing them and they are 1) Coping Skills, 2) Life Skills, 3) Healthy Relationships, 4) Process Groups, 5) Seeking Safety, and lastly 6) Relapse Prevention. These are the skills that I use every day.

Also in this program, I was able to go to Loyola Marymount University, where I received a Certificate of Completion in Peer Specialist for Veterans, and also in the State of California.

I have been able to work on my benefits and housing and to work CWT, which is compensation work therapy for Veterans. I also volunteered at New Directions for Veterans.

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Sh ar on E. Holm es Th e People Con cer n

After her husband passed away, Sharon became a live-in caretaker for an elderly couple. When they too passed, she was forced to move. With nowhere to turn, Sharon found herself homeless at the age of 52.

Sharon recalls one traumatic night when her car was stolen,?I was robbed, raped and beaten. It?s hard to get help and be heard when you?re homeless."

Sharon suffers from a previous Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), which was made worse by her attack.

Without a car, Sharon began sleeping in Tongva Park in Santa Monica. It was there she became connected to The People Concern?s Santa Monica Outreach Team. ?When they saw my injury, they wanted to take me to the hospital but I refused, so they brought Dr. King from Venice Family Clinic to the park and he treated me right there on the streets.?

Sharon received treatment for her TBI and was referred to a board and care facility where she could stay while she safely recovered. Once healed, she was transferred to Daybreak, The People Concern?s women?s interim housing program at Cloverfield. Sharon was a resident at Daybreak during the coronavirus pandemic. She was even able to rescue her dog, Sissy, who she found abandoned in a dumpster, and bring her into the shelter, ?Sissy was part of my recovery. She got me to start loving again.?

Today Sharon and Sissy have made it home into their own apartment! ?I can?t say enough about The People Concern. I love my apartment. It?s our own - we look forward to making this our home.?

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Sh ar on Gelf an d Ven ice Fam ily Clin ic After leaving my husband of 11 years, I had no real game plan. With a few acquaintances in the skateboarding world, l left South Florida in 2016 for Venice, California. I slept in my car and couch surfed. Thankfully I was directed to St. Joseph Center, which provided me with meals, a case manager, and an appointment with Dr. Coley King from Venice Family Clinic. After telling Dr. King that I have multiple sclerosis, he made sure that I saw a neurologist from UCLA who volunteers at the Clinic, prescribed medication for my relapsing/remitting MS, and made an appointment for an MRI. For the first time since my mother passed away in 2012, I felt like I was surrounded by a team of professionals who cared about my well-being! I still had trauma and other mental health issues to work through, so I got on the waiting list for counseling at the Alcott Center, where I was told I might be able to get a Section 8 voucher. Within a year, I had a therapist, psychiatrist AND a housing voucher for an apartment in Los Angeles, and no longer felt invisible. Finding an apartment was no easy task, but I have been living in my own place now for three years and finally feel like a whole human being, for which I am eternally grateful! I can proudly say that I have been on the Board of Directors for Venice Family Clinic for a year now, and I look forward to any and all opportunities to give back, which is the reward I get for feeling like a visible and vital person in the community.

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Tar a Jon es Alcot t Cen t er My name is Tara Jones and I work with the FSP and ODR team at Alcott. I have been struggling with mental health issues since the age of 12. These mental health issues created a lot of anger in me which caused me to get in trouble with the law multiple times. I was incarcerated for four and a half years which caused my mental health to decline more. I feel that the police did not understand my mental health condition and it was difficult for me to function in society.

At one point in my early 20?s I was told that I may need a conservator and that I would not have the ability to make my own decisions. I started working with Alcott 2 years ago and my life has improved. Alcott helped me gain my independence, increase my self-control, and social skills. I started working with the FSP and ODR team at Alcott and they helped me gain independent housing. I started out living in an interim housing after being released from jail, I spent almost a year in interim housing before obtaining my own independent apartment. I love having my own apartment and the key to lock it when I leave. I love that I have my freedom back and that I can make decisions on my own. I enjoy playing basketball, going on walks, and listening to music. I am looking forward to completing the rest of my probation this year!

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Ton i Wh it e Ch r ysalis My name is Toni, and I am truly humbled to share my story with you. Homelessness has been a part of my story since an early age. It started when I was 5 years old, when the apartment I shared with my 2 siblings and our single mother, burned down succumbing my 2 sisters. In the 70?s, homelessness was like a long sleepover at grandma?s house that lasted all of my grade school years.

As an adult, I made the decision to relocate from Florida to L.A. and create a better life for my daughter and younger sister. We moved into Santa Monica Upward Bound House. Upward Bound House not only housed me, but they also created a savings plan at the bank for my family, which was transferred into my name at the time of exiting the program and moving into an apartment. The experience at Upward Bound House afforded me to meet the staff at Chrysalis for employment & life mentoring. The professional development I received at Chrysalis helped me become a Licensed Notary, obtain my guard card to protect youths attending prom nights and land a job with a SM company where I stayed employed for 10 years. Chrysalis has been the glue I needed to push the envelope further with the support of my employment specialist encouragement and their licensed onsite counselor I continue to be housed and I am currently working as a Case Manager with the Re-Entry Population, helping with housing and employment. I am also a board member for ARC- Anti-Recidivism Coalition to give voice to the voiceless.

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Tw an n a Ber gese West w ood Tr an sit ion al Village Twanna Bergese resided at WTV from March 2020 ? March 2021. She became homeless due to loss of income from multiple factors; mental Health and substance abuse. Mrs. Bergese and her family were referred to The Salvation Army Westwood Transitional Village through the VA and became tenants in March 2020. While a participant in the program, Mrs. Bergese utilized all services and resources offered to her and her family. She learned money management and savings discipline, participated in weekly Life Skills, which included parenting classes, nutritional classes and other classes offered throughout the program to help benefit and excel into being successfully independent. Mrs. Bergese also was involved in Case Management and used those meetings as well as the classes to her advantage to further herself and her family into getting back on their feet. She also took the opportunity to study and get her Radiology License reinstated. She thrived through the challenges she faced and setbacks in other surprises that came along. No matter what the obstacle, she kept a positive attitude even during those times of hardship and kept a determined mindset to be fully on her own for herself and her family. Now an Alumni, Mrs. Bergese resides in own permanent housing in San Pedro with her husband and their daughter.

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Each year , t h e West side Coalit ion r ecogn izes r em ar k able in dividu als, bu sin esses an d or gan izat ion s t h at cr eat e a st r on g bon d by w or k in g closely w it h ou r m em ber agen cies t o su ppor t t h eir w or k an d im pr ove t h e com m u n it y at lar ge.

A Com m u n it y Su ppor t Aw ar d r ecipien t is on e w h o st an ds ou t f r om t h e cr ow d of h ar d w or k in g an d car in g people w it h except ion al ef f or t s, h elpin g t o m ak e pr of ou n d dif f er en ces f or t h e agen cies, t h e clien t s t h ey ser ve an d t h e com m u n it y.

It is w it h deep gr at it u de t h at w e t h an k t h ese 18 am azin g aw ar d r ecipien t s f or t h eir in cr edible ef f or t s an d sacr if ices. We ar e con f iden t t h at t h eir self less an d cr eat ive ach ievem en t s w ill in spir e ot h er s t o join in ser vin g ou r beloved com m u n it y.

Com m u n it y Su ppor t Aw ar ds ar e n om in at ed by in dividu al agen cies w it h in t h e West side Coalit ion , so it is a gr eat h on or t h at w e h igh ligh t ou r 2021 w in n er s.

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Com m u n it y Su ppor t Hon or ees an d Nom in at in g Agen cy

/ Ru by Addie

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?As a young child, I came up with a myriad of ideas that would benefit those living in poverty. As I grew older, my thoughts developed into Sprinkle of Hope, which I have been working on since I was ten years old.?

Alana Kamins, a 16 year old high school student at Brentwood School, is the founder of Sprinkle of Hope, a project that helps those in need by giving them everyday life necessities in jars. Alana chose Westside Family Health Center as the perfect place to distribute the jars because, ?with Sprinkle of Hope, I am helping clients at Westside Family Health Center, 94% of whom live at or below the poverty line. I am providing them with these daily necessities to help ensure daily health to those in need of the most support.?

Since 2018, Alana has raised the funds, purchased and packed products, and has delivered over 300 Hope Jars and backpacks worth $15,000 to Westside Family Health Center filled with important and costly necessities such as tampons, shaving cream, Aquaphor, deodorant, etc. The necessities have pivoted with the needs of WFHC?s patients which have included fuzzy socks for the Winter Jars, school supplies for pediatric patients, and most recently, masks, gloves and hand sanitizer for the Pandemic Prevention Jars. Alana has received grants for her project including from Visionary Women and the Jewish Federation.

Congratulations for this well-deserved honor, Alana. Your Sprinkle of Hope Jars have uplifted many of Westside Family Health Center ?s team members and patients. Sprinkle of Hope is needed more than ever.

For more information, please see http://sprinkleofhope.net 37

Anthony Marguleas founded Amalfi Estates in 1995; today it is one of Los Angeles? leading independent real estate firms. With a heart for the communities he works in, Anthony and his firm began donating a portion of their sales to local charities in 2014. Realizing the impact of his giving, Anthony created a formal philanthropy giving program at Amalfi. Focusing on the firm?s five pillars ? community, homelessness, children, health and animals ? the firm donates 10% of each sale to one of their core non-profits.

The People Concern is a proud and honored recipient of these donations. Since becoming their charitable partner, Amalfi Estate?s contribution has helped feed 22,398 people experiencing homelessness. Anthony and his team also make an effort to spread awareness of The People Concern while educating his clients on the importance of what we do. A true change maker, Anthony Marguleas is a shining example of a community leader.

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The Westside Food Bank?s Auxiliary Board is a team of rising stars that are the next generation of leaders! By supporting the Food Bank's work, they are part of the solution to allow food insecure families to put money toward rent rather than food which helps keep people in homes. They are the boots on the ground promoting the Food Bank's mission, raising funds and bringing greater awareness to young professionals.

Between the ages of 18 ? 40, they are part of the millennial generation stepping up to take on the mantle of social change.

They are a true Board that meets on a regular schedule, have fundraising goals, plan initiatives and events, and help connect the organization to helpful resources. They recently planned and held ?The State of Food Assistance During COVID-19 Webinar ? last year among other events.

(Con t .)

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(Con t .)

M isbah M ayet is an organizational change and culture champion with experience leading cross-functional teams in implementing enterprise people programs. She has a passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and partners with companies to foster inclusive cultures. She joined the Westside Food Bank?s Auxiliary Board to help families that deal with food insecurities as way to give back to her community.

She is currently Co-Chair of the Board and is also a Founding Member.

An a Her n an dez Robles currently works at City National Bank in their Community Reinvestment Department, which monitors and reports the bank?s community reinvestment act (CRA) lending, investment, and service programs. She is actively involved in various Employee Resources Groups such as the Women?s Network, Latino Community Network, and Young Professionals. She is honored to serve on the Auxiliary Board since 2018 and is one of the Founding Members.

Ar iella Spect or was born and raised on the Westside of Los Angeles. After having lived abroad in Israel for a year volunteering at a soup kitchen, she quickly found her passion working with those experiencing food insecurities. Her current job is Operations Program Manager for Step Up, where she oversees a workforce development training program that provides food for multiple pantries. She has been on the Auxiliary Board for a year and a half.

Cassidy Cast r o-Wallh or n works at Aureus Finance Group in Business Development. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, she has always cared about the communities surrounding her with a passion to give back and help families in need. The Westside Food Bank allowed her to inspire others and make a difference. She?s the Co-Chair of the Auxiliary Board and has been a member for 3 years.

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Claudia is tireless in her effort for justice and is willing to be as creative as needed to make sure our participants see that justice. Claudia started working with PATH consistently over 5 years ago while serving a large encampment. Her initiative to make good things happen was inspiring!

We realized we had a true ally. She forged a lasting connection with LAX PD and PATH, that has led to 100s being permanently housed.

We applaud and thank Claudia for her good work to our community.

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Imagine LA has nominated Cor n er st on e West Los An geles Ch u r ch for the powerful work they do to address poverty and homelessness in West LA and beyond. Very soon, a 73-unit permanent and supportive housing community called M issou r i Place? where Imagine LA will serve as the onsite service provider ? will open. The 44 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) residents will enroll in Imagine LA?s clinical case management program, and all residents will gain access to Imagine LA?s network of resources, family fun events, financial fitness programming, living-wage careers pathways, whole-family mentorship, and a year-round calendar of enrichment activities for all ages. Each family will also receive a high-quality Welcom e Hom e Kit , filled with high-quality cooking and dinnerware sets, cleaning supplies, bathroom essentials, and more ? for which Imagine LA needed to raise $21,000.

When Cor n er st on e learned about Missouri Place ? located just 1.1 miles from their campus ? they jumped on the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in their backyard. Their actions included: running an informational awareness campaign about Missouri Place; recruiting volunteers to facilitate enrichment activities once the development opens; and ? incredibly ? raising $12,000 to ensure that every family receives a Welcome Home Kit. Cornerstone has also committed to providing space in their community room and supplies for creative, impactful events in 2022.

Beyond their past and future involvement in Missouri Place, Cornerstone West LA is active with their church?s In Hou se M er cy M in ist r ies, which focuses on preparing and distributing food to their unhoused neighbors on the 3rd Street Promenade. Cornerstone is also a place of refuge, providing physical and spiritual help to dozens of individuals experiencing homelessness in West LA42each year.

When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded a program called Project RoomKey (PRK) which was locally managed by the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) to house COVID vulnerable individuals who were living on the streets and unable to stay ?safe at home? or ?shelter in place?.

LAHSA asked St. Joseph Center (SJC) to operate the first PRK site in LA County which was located at the Courtyard by Marriott in Century City (Courtyard).

Within 72 hours, SJC staffed a team and conducted the first intake at PRK-Courtyard on April 3rd, 2020, just 2 weeks after the statewide shutdown, and filled 145 hotel rooms in 1 week.

And, we could not have done that without the compassionate commitment and professional partnership of the Courtyard team adeptly led by David Hutton.

What was supposed to be a 90-day program turned into a 13-month program which provided a safe and secure place for hundreds of COVID vulnerable people to avoid the risk of getting and dying of COVID. David and his team were not social service providers but quickly ?bonded? with SJC?s team of Client Support Managers, Resident Monitors and Site Managers and supported us in our shared goal of keeping people experiencing homelessness (PEH) safe and COVID-free.

The COVID Pandemic was (and continues to be) a global challenge but the ?silver lining? is that we were able to house a relatively large number of PEH in a relatively short period of time and form a for-profit/non-profit partnership thanks to David and his team.

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Hook is an Advertising and Creative agency that was connected to Safe Place for Youth in early 2020. SPY has partnered with Hook for a number of events and campaigns, they have played an integral role in conceptualizing and providing the creative for our events. These pieces help to set the tone for the event, elevate the level of the event, and they have also created such fun and energetic campaigns for SPY that have helped to bring people together in support of SPY. Their work on our Gala this past June was beautiful, vibrant, and colorful like Venice and like SPY. Having a team of such talented people bring their concepts to life for SPY's events and fundraisers has been a true highlight for SPY. Hook's office and many of the members of their team, work and live locally to SPY and are invested in supporting their local community.

From one of SPY's st aff: "Hook is AMAZING! They have done so much pro bono work for SPY. They really care about LA and t he West side and believe in t he work we are doing.

They have donated so MANY hours of t heir t ime helping us make event s and campaigns a huge success! These event s and campaigns allow us to raise t he necessary funds for us to help homeless and at risk yout h."

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J. Skip Hubbard III, owner of Mother Hubbard?s Sober Living, continues to demonstrate his commitment to supporting Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, and providing a level of care for our clients which is truly needed and appreciated. We would like to nominate Skip as our outstanding community partner acknowledging and honoring all that he does to support our clients while they are residing at one of his sober living homes. Skip?s compassion and understanding of our client?s challenges enables him to relate to them while helping them navigate their sobriety and reach their long-term treatment and housing goals. Skip does not hesitate to assist clients, from the start. He is willing to meet the client, where they are at, often times helping them with transportation or food when there is a need. Skip?s ability to assist our clients with navigating community, city, county and state resources, coupled with his awareness and knowledge of these different resources, has made him an invaluable community partner. Skip?s willingness to work closely with our staff and treatment teams has made the difference in providing the support our clients need to maintain their housing. Skip is a man that leads by example, showing what it takes to support both the clients and the community in which he serves.

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Marcie Mills is a devoted volunteer with our Westminster TLC shelter program. She first got involved with the TLC after meeting with Lucia, the Program Manager. Marcia is one who sees a need and then takes action. She initially led craft workshops which grew into seeing what was really needed.

Marcie noticed that while there were plenty of toys and games for the children, there weren't many toys that could help a child?s independence, and open up their world.

In the past year, she has donated over 100 bicycles to kids and young adults in shelters and bridge homes around L.A.?s Westside. She gets the most joy from hearing stories from parents about how their children were literally transformed by their new bike. News of her project spread and now she is picking up donations of bikes, helmets and locks from all over L.A. Her coalition includes her boyfriend and partner Mike Rogers and others who volunteer their skills in bike repair and transport. After more than a decade of supporting and contributing her time to a wide range of charities, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, Marcie is known now for her volunteer work in the homeless community and her deep compassion for women and children.

At a time when the subject of homelessness is highly charged, she is helping to change the narrative, defusing the often combative conversation to rally empathy for the harsh struggles of parents and kids who are often escaping domestic abuse with nothing but a few belongings in trash bags on their long journey to rebuild.

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Hi! I?m Maya and in 2019 I started baking birthday cakes for the children at Upward Bound House. I have a passion for baking and wanted to contribute to the community through it. As a child I remembered how happy I felt while making a wish and blowing out candles. I wanted to make sure all children are able to experience the same feeling. As I am going off to Cornell University this fall Ruby will be taking over this program.

Hi, my name is Ruby Addie and I am a sophomore at Culver City High School. I've always loved to bake and create, so when Maya was looking for a successor, I decided to take on this wonderful project. It makes me so happy to put a smile on others' faces, and I feel that these cakes exemplify the joy that lives within our community. I am so happy to be working with Upward Bound House and can't wait for many more birthdays.

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West side Coalit ion M em ber Or gan izat ion s We are choosing to honor PATH as our community support nominee for their willingness to collaborate and continuous efforts in finding creative ways to support people experiencing houselessness. They continue to be invaluable partners in ensuring community members have access to the resources they need through both an outreach partnership and the Pico Robertson Health Neighborhood. Collaborating with PATH to provide mental health street outreach with their extensive street outreach has been an extremely beneficial way of helping to meet the needs of our community members experiencing houselessness and there have been many success stories to come out of that collaboration. PATH continues to be an incredible partner in ensuring community members have access to resources and information around houselessness through the Pico Robertson Health Neighborhood. They have continued to be advocates since the creation of the Pico Robertson Health Neighborhood and we are extremely grateful for the role they are playing in housing our houseless community members.

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Retired. Past Chairman and current Board Member as well as Current AM Vets Commander. Vietnam Veteran and CFO AMVETS Foundation.

Member of the American Legion, VFW and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Ray connects, provides, and facilitates grants, donations, and fundraising events for New Directions for Veterans. He donates items for residents and staff to keep up morale, which was appreciated greatly during these times of required Quarantine. Always an ?ear to the ground? on veteran issues, he advocates for all homeless veterans on the VA Oversight Committee, and consistently provides donations to the Veterans encampment on San Vicente ( AKA Veterans Row).

Raymond is always advocating for Veterans regarding the actualization of the VA Master Plan, and in-depth logistical plan for the future development of the Greater Los Angeles VA.

A man of few words always willing to hear a fellow Veteran out and advocate for them, New Directions for Veterans honors Raymond Delgado.

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Fr eedom t o M ove We?re reimagining the way people and cities flow. Backed by Ford Motor Company, Spin is a mobility solutions provider for cities, campuses, and businesses around the globe.

SPIN partners with cities and local organizations to provide dockless scooter-share services to get you where you need to go. Scooters arrived in Santa Monica in July 2021 and make it easy for you to get across town.

Since the beginning of 2020, SPIN has been working with Chrysalis, providing free & discounted rides, helmets, and customer support to our clients. SPIN wants to fill in the gap for our community members by providing easy access to transportation, solving the "First/Last Mile" issue, and getting clients to work.

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Inspired by a desire to alleviate the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, the Barry and Wendy Meyer Foundation teamed up with Venice Family Clinic to expand its street medicine program, funding the creation of a mobile clinic van to lower barriers to care for unhoused families.

The mobile clinic van provides a way for Venice Family Clinic?s nine street medicine teams to offer private exams to people living on the street. The van is outfitted with an exam table, sink, cold storage and Wi-Fi, just like a regular doctor ?s office. It also carries the equipment necessary to provide health care services such as drawing blood and other samples for tests, including rapid HIV and hepatitis C; vaccines; medications for medically assisted substance use treatments; and more.

Through their foundation, Barry Meyer and Wendy Smith Meyer, PhD, have supported organizations that provide help to vulnerable children, youth and families, including local food banks and those that assist transition-age foster youth, who are often at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Wendy Smith Meyer is a licensed clinical social worker and retired professor who has been involved with Venice Family Clinic for close to 20 years as a member of its Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Trustees, chair of its Behavioral Health and Child Development Committee, and a volunteer therapist.

Barry Meyer is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Warner Bros.

Entertainment.

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Trixia is the Social Media and Operations Coordinator at MOW West. She was born and raised in Singapore and went to college in Australia. ?One of my goals has always been to live the American Dream, so I moved to the U.S. and opened my retail boutique in Westwood at the age of 22. After 6 years of successfully running my own business, I wanted to start a new chapter in life, working towards the greater good of others and giving back to the community that welcomed me.? As the Social Media Coordinator at Meals on Wheels West she designs content and creates online campaigns. ?I love to capture the wonderful work of our volunteers as they deliver more than a meal to our clients. You can see the friendship between clients and volunteers.?

Trixia?s role as the Operations Coordinator involves interacting with MOW West volunteers and coordinating more than 1400 client deliveries every week. She utilizes her customer service skills to ensure our volunteers have a smooth volunteer experience and come up with ways to improve volunteer retention. Her marketing skills have helped MOW West with consistently gaining new volunteers. ?I love working with the volunteers! I always make sure they feel appreciated for their dedication to the well being of our clients. Especially during this pandemic.?

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Imagine LA has nominated War d Af r ican M et h odist Episcopal Ch u r ch for the powerful work they do to address poverty and homelessness in Los Angeles and beyond.

Since 2019, Pastor John Edward Cager, III and the Ward AME Church community have welcomed Imagine LA with open arms.

Pastor Cager has been both a guide and mentor to Imagine LA leadership and seeks to fully embrace and advocate for Imagine LA?s values of love, equity, diversity, and inclusion. When Imagine LA first engaged Ward AME Church, they had an overwhelming need for mentors in South LA for their families (note: all Imagine LA?s families have previously experienced homelessness). They introduced Imagine LA to other faith and community leaders in South LA when Imagine LA was in need, assisting with securing mentors and community resources for their families in South LA. Pastor Cager and Rev. Martin Porter helped facilitate collaborations with the Council of Religious Leaders and the Faith Community Coalition, which enabled Imagine LA to present regarding their needs in South LA and the need for Welcome Home Kits for M issou r i Place, a 73-unit permanent and supportive housing community where Imagine LA will serve as the on-site service provider.

Because of Imagine LA?s trusted relationship with Pastor Cager and Rev. Martin Porter (leaders of the Faith Community Coalition and Logos Faith Development), Imagine LA has partnered to bring trusted architects and other experts, services, and financial resources together to help them create a viable model to build supportive housing on church property.

Ward AME Church also opened the doors of the church for Imagine LA to film their Ambassador Videos and host their REAL TALK series sessions.

Ward AME Church has been a beacon of light and hope for the community since 1902.

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Coalit ion M em ber s We ar e pr ou d t o par t n er w it h you !

Alcot t Cen t er f or M en t al Healt h Ser vices

Pr oject Ropa

Aw aken in g Recover y

Pr om ises Fou n dat ion / M ir iam ?s Hou se

Boys an d Gir ls Clu b of M alibu

Pr oviden ce St . Joh n's Healt h Cen t er

Br en t w ood Pr esbyt er ian Ch u r ch

Religiou s Societ y of Fr ien ds

Cat h olic Ch ar it ies

Saf e Par k in g LA

Ch r ysalis

Saf e Place f or You t h

CLARE M at r ix

San t a M on ica Bah a'i Cen t er

Com m u n it y Cor p. of SM

Sh oes f or t h e Hom eless

Cor pu s Ch r ist i Par ish

St Aidan's Episcopal Ch u r ch

Cu lver Cit y Pr esbyt er ian

St . Joh n's Pr esbyt er ian Ch u r ch

Cu lver Palm s Ch u r ch of Ch r ist

St . Joseph Cen t er

Depar t m en t of M en t al Healt h

St . M ar t in of Tou r s Cat h olic Ch u r ch

Didi Hir sch Com m u n it y M en t al Healt h Ct r

St . M on ica Cat h olic Com m u n it y

Disabilit y Com m u n it y Resou r ce Cen t er

St . Pau l Lu t h er an Ch u r ch

Edelm an West side M en t al Healt h Cen t er

Salvat ion Ar m y West w ood Tr an sit ion al Village

Fir st Pr esbyt er ian Ch u r ch of San t a M on ica

Salvat ion Ar m y

Fir st Un it ed M et h odist Wom en

San t a M on ica Adu lt Reh abilit at ion Cen t er

Gr ace Evan gelical Lu t h er an Ch u r ch

SM Ch u r ch of Jesu s Ch r ist of Lat t er day Sain t s

Habit at f or Hu m an it y

San t a M on ica, Cit y of

Har vest Hom e

St ep Up On Secon d

Helpin g Han ds Sen ior Fou n dat ion

St u den t s 4 St u den t s Sh elt er

Im agin e L.A.

Tem ple Ak iba

Keh illat Isr ael

Th e Ch u r ch of Sain t M ar k

LA Elder Law

Th e Par ish of St M at t h ew

Leo Baeck Tem ple

Th e People Con cer n

M alibu CART

Un it ar ian Un iver salist Com m u n it y Ch u r ch

M ar Vist a Com m u n it y Cou n cil

Upw ar d Bou n d Hou se

M eals on Wh eels West

Ven ice Com m u n it y Hou sin g Cor por at ion

M eals on Wh eels WLA

Ven ice Fam ily Clin ic

M ou n t Olive Lu t h er an Ch u r ch

VA, West LA M edical Cen t er

Nat ion al Vet er an s Fou n dat ion

Village f or Vet s

New Dir ect ion s, In c

West side Fam ily Healt h Cen t er

PATH

West side Food Ban k

Ph oen ix Hou se of Los An geles, In c.

West w ood Pr esbyt er ian Ch u r ch

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Th e West side Coalit ion is an allian ce of or gan izat ion s, pu blic agen cies an d f ait h com m u n it ies com m it t ed t o addr essin g issu es of Hou sin g, Hu n ger an d Healt h t h r ou gh ser vice coor din at ion , pu blic edu cat ion an d advocacy. Fin d ou t m or e at w w w.w est sidecoalit ion la.or g

West side Coalit ion's Boar d of Dir ect or s Past or Er ic Sh af er -Chairman Sr. Pastor Mt. Olive Lutheran Church

Ju lie Kir k Director of Com Outreach & Education Westside Family Health

Lor i Hood Project Director of Turning Point Interim Board of Trustees for St. Matthew?s Parish Housing Board member-Westside Food Bank The People Concern Jocelyn Cor t ese- Secretary

Ch r is Baca-Treasurer Executive Director Meals on Wheels West Ach ee St even son Senior Director | Programs St. Joseph Center Bian ca Sm it h Westside Site Director Chrysalis

M ar k Jon es Director of Mission, Outreach and Pastoral Care Westwood Presbyterian Church Rach el St ich Deputy Director Safe Place for Youth Rev. Dr . Fr an ces Wat t m an Rosen au Senior Pastor Culver City Presbyterian Church

Haley Fu selier Senior Director| Greater Los Angeles Programs PATH (People Assisting The Homeless)

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Special Th an k s 2021 Plan n in g Com m it t ee Rock St ar s

Edit or s

Alon zo Ur it a- Safe Place for Youth

Lead Editor- Wixon Greenwood Adam Niva

Ash ley M cGu llu m - Alcott Center

Cer t if icat es of Recogn it ion

Con dr a Gr if f in - LA Elder Law

Assemblymember Richard Bloom

Cr issi Avila- Westside Food Bank

Councilmember Mike Bonin

Dan iel Salgu er o- New Directions for Veterans

Santa Monica Mayor Sue Himmelrich

David Coh en - CLARE| Matrix

Senator Ben Allen

Elisa Br ook e- Meals on Wheels West

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl

Evie Sh apir o- St. Joseph Center Evon n e Biggs- Venice Family Clinic

Ph ot ogr aph y

Gar y Gar cia-Siam - Venice Family Clinic

Honoree Photos- Charles Haskell

Gilber t Espin osa- Salvation Army Rehabilitation

Video Foot age

Jen Kim - City of Santa Monica

Adam Niva-Cinematographer

Jessica Sor ian o- PATH

M ar y Jan e Uf lan d- Didi Hirsch

Special Thanks to Andra Day for permission to use her incredible song "Rise Up"

M on et Bagn er is Tolber t - Imagine LA

Even t Sou n d an d Video

M yr n a Boh an - Venice Community Housing

TSV Video- the INCREDIBLE Michael Greig!

Nadin e Han ley, Dan ielle Rom an - The People Concern

Thank you also Directors Peter Margolis and Matthew Margolis

Pau la Br ook s-Upward Bound House

Even t Locat ion

Ju lie Kir k - Westside Family Health Center

Ricar do Alf ar o- Chrysalis

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church

Sar ah Reyes- Miriam's House

Set Up/ Tear Dow n

Teya M cCock r an -Westwood Transitional Village

Max Diamond

Th an k s t o all of ou r speak er syou in spir e u s! Th an k you f or you r t im e an d in cr edible t alen t !

Th an k you M t . Olive Lu t h er an Ch u r ch f or t h e gen er ou s u se of you r f acilit y!

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On ce again , h ow cou ld w e possibly t h an k Gar y Halvor son an d Au dr ey An t is. Wor k in g w it h you h as been su ch an h on or on ce again ! We love you bot h !