ANNUAL REPORT
2023 - 2024
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
The 2023-2024 program year has been one of resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges: global volatility, rising costs of living, and the growing urgency of climate change Despite these obstacles, PACE remained committed to empowering individuals and families as we continued to address both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
Our Employment team worked tirelessly to connect job seekers to new opportunities, building stable careers in an uncertain economy Our Business department empowered small and disadvantaged businesses with vital resources to grow. As housing costs soared, our Housing program provided critical support to families, while our Energy team eased utility burdens and promoted environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, our Education department ensured low-income children and families had access to quality and comprehensive early learning programs.
These accomplishments were made possible by the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, the trust of those we serve, and the unwavering commitment of our partners, funders, and supporters. Together, we’ve navigated a challenging landscape, always with an eye toward creating lasting change and sustainable economic opportunity
As we reflect on this year’s work, we are reminded that every step forward strengthens our resolve to combat racism through service
Thank you for standing with us as we continue this journey of empowerment and impact
Aloha nui loa (much love),
Kerry N. Doi President & CEO, PACE
Our Mission
PACE is a community development organization that creates economic solutions to meet the employment, education, housing, environmental, and business development challenges of low-income residents in the Pacific Asian and other underserved communities of Los Angeles
Our Story
Since 1975, PACE has been a leader in combating poverty and economic inequality in Los Angeles' disadvantaged communities. Originally established to support the employment needs of AAPI refugees, PACE has since expanded its services to address the evolving challenges of lowincome individuals across all ethnic and racial groups.
Today, PACE offers comprehensive community development programs that have empowered over 1.4 million families and individuals to achieve economic mobility and build resilient futures.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Sandra Sakamoto, Board Chairperson
Honorable Jon Mayeda (Ret.), Board Secretary
Neil Yoneji, Board Treasurer
Kerry Doi, Board Member
Executive Staff
Kerry Doi, President & CEO
William Chun, Vice President & COO
Kyong (Grace) Choi, Controller
Mimi Cheung, Chief Strategy Officer & Interim Director of Development
Bo Sivanunsakul, Vice President of Economic Development & Director of Business
Susie Choy, Chief Compliance Officer & Assistant Director of Business
Stacy Wong, Director of Human Resources
Johnson Ng, Director of Employment
Kellie Konysky, Director of Education
Celia Andrade, Director of Energy
Sirena Ly, Executive Director, TEACH-LA
Who We Serve
Approximately 96% of PACE clients are considered Low-toModerate Income (LMI) and 86% of responding clients identify as ethnic minorities
PACE Administrative Headquarters
Head Start/Early Head Start Sites
Business Development Sites
Our Service Area
PACE’s administrative headquarters is located in Westlake, which houses PACE’s Business, Energy, Education, and Employment departments and TEACHLA. PACE also operates 14 school sites across Los Angeles County and two satellite business development offices in Hollywood and El Monte.
While serving all of L.A. County, PACE focuses on a primary target area spanning 51 zip codes, from the South Bay through Downtown and Central Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.
At a Glance
Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024
$3,914,677
In Annual Wages Earned
Affordable Housing Units Owned/Operated 905
$15,576,220
In Utility Bill Payment Assistance
1,870
Children & Families Served
Entrepreneurs Trained/ Counseled/Served 5,701
Total Individuals & Households Served:
34,594
Fiscal Year Financials
7/1/2023 - 6/30/2024 EXPENSES
REVENUE & SUPPORT
$2,163,022 $666,796 $1,754,602 $257,994
$2,138,531 $788,996 $417,565 $37,799,246 $4,069,364
PACE Education
PACE Education ensures that all children have the opportunity to unlock their potential and pursue a promising future by providing free, quality early childhood education services.
Nurturing Families & Young Learners
PACE Education provides children ages 0-5 and expectant families in low-income and disadvantaged communities with quality education through nurturing and supportive learning environments. By fostering positive teacher-child interactions and offering diverse learning opportunities, PACE ensures that every child has the chance to thrive and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
1,870
Children & Families Served
During the 2023-2024 program year, we served a total of 1,870 students and families across our 14 school sites. Parent involvement played a crucial role, with 862 parent volunteers contributing nearly 130,000 volunteer hours This is especially significant since parents are a child’s first teacher, and their involvement is just as vital to their child’s development as the services we provide. PACE Education offers not only quality preschool education but also comprehensive support through Health, Nutrition, Behavioral Health, Disabilities, and Social Services In addition, we served over 317,000 nutritious and healthy meals for our children, ensuring their overall wellbeing and development.
Parent Volunteer Hours
1,008
317,520 Meals Prepared 129,728
Children Enrolled
Parent Spotlight: Alejandra Machado
Born and raised in Sinaloa, Mexico, Alejandra Machado was an entrepreneur who founded her own spa and clinic. But when her business closed in 2024, she made the courageous decision to leave everything behind and start fresh in California with her husband and two young boys. Moving to a new country came with many challenges, but Alejandra’s determination to create a better future for her children kept her going.
Her journey led her to PACE Education, where she found more than just a preschool program she found a support system and a community that welcomed her family with warmth, guidance, and invaluable resources.
Inspired by PACE’s impact on her family, Alejandra became an advocate for parent involvement in education She first took on the role of Parent Committee Chairperson at our Aloha Learning Center, strengthening collaboration between parents and staff. Her leadership responsibilities soon expanded, first to PACE’s headquarters, where she took on the role of Chairperson of the Policy Committee. Alejandra now also serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Policy Council at LACOE, advocating for greater parent engagement and equity in education.
Grateful for the support she received, Alejandra is committed to giving back. Through her leadership and volunteerism, she continues to uplift other families and works to empower parents to take a greater role in their children’s education.
PACE Energy
PACE Energy is building a greener, more equitable Los Angeles by assisting residents with utility bill payments, home weatherization, and energy and environmental conservation education.
Easing the Energy Burden
As a result of uncertain economic times, increasing inflation and job layoffs, many Angelenos continued to struggle with paying their energy bills and grappled with the threat of energy disconnections.
For those in older or energy-inefficient homes, these expenses add additional financial strain to the ever-increasing cost of living in Southern California Through PACE Energy, we remain dedicated to advancing environmental justice and sustainability, working alongside our communities to combat climate change and alleviate energy burdens. In the 2023-2024 program year, we increased our assistance for utility bill payments compared to the previous year, distributing $15,576,220 to support 19,385 clients
By reducing energy costs and increasing efficiency, we help families achieve greater financial stability while contributing to a greener future for Los Angeles.
21,611
Total Clients Served
9,182 Energy-Efficient Appliances Installed
$15.5 MM Utility Bill Payment Assistance
Our Partners: Creating a Greener Los Angeles
Beyond financial assistance, our weatherization services delivered lasting impact to over 650 households through energy assessments, appliance upgrades, and education on energy-saving practices. In collaboration with utility partners like Southern California Edison and SoCalGas, we inspected and installed energy-efficient equipment in over 2,000 households through the Energy Assistance Savings Program. We also partnered with LADWP to promote rebate and conservation programs, helping customers lower their utility bills while reducing energy use.
Client Spotlight: Karin Daniel
Like many Angelenos, Karin Daniel experienced a dramatic spike in her utility costs during the 2023-2024 program year After receiving an electricity bill exceeding $3,000, she found herself struggling to keep up with expenses while supporting her two sons on a limited Social Security income As the sole provider for her family, she worried about how she would manage these unexpected costs without sacrificing other essentials like rent, food, and medical needs
Overwhelmed by mounting bills, Karin turned to PACE Energy in search of relief With the guidance of our dedicated staff, she navigated the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process and secured $3,000 in financial assistance for her electricity bill, along with additional aid for her water bill This critical support not only lifted an immediate financial burden but also restored her sense of stability, allowing her to focus on her family’s well-being and ensuring they had a safe, comfortable home.
Everyday, PACE Energy empower families like Karin’s to regain control over their energy costs, easing financial stress while promoting sustainability and long-term energy efficiency.
PACE Employment
PACE Employment offers career guidance, skills training, job placement, and recruitment, equipping job seekers and businesses with the tools to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
With a history of workforce development programs dating back to 1975, PACE has extensive experience supporting underserved populations facing barriers to employment Since 1999, PACE has operated the Downtown/Pico-Union WorkSource Center, a fullyfunded WIOA WorkSource Center for the City of Los Angeles
Through individualized career counseling, skills training, and job placement services, we help job seekers secure stable, well-paying employment while assisting businesses in recruiting qualified talent. Our programs also address the unique challenges faced by refugees, immigrants, veterans, and individuals with limited English proficiency, ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity.
By providing comprehensive workforce development and support services, we equip individuals with the skills needed to meet job market demands while contributing to a resilient workforce and economy Our Employment Programs
1,183 Workers Counseled, Trained &/or Placed, Services Received
Average Hourly Wage of Placed Workers $20.21
Breaking Employment Barriers
PACE Employment’s Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) Program helps create a more inclusive job market by providing individuals with up to eight months of paid work experience and hands-on training
73
Enrollments in Transitional Employment Program
By partnering with employers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, the program subsidizes wages while equipping participants with essential skills for longterm career success In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, PACE helped 73 job seekers gain the experience needed to transition into unsubsidized employment. Programs like TSE play a crucial role in removing employment barriers, empowering participants with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to achieve career growth
Client Spotlight: Carmen Rodriguez
As a dedicated mother of six, Carmen built a career in the clerical field, working full-time to support her family
But when the pandemic led to widespread job losses, she found herself unemployed. After returning to work in 2023, she was laid off again. Determined to find a more stable and fulfilling career, she turned to PACE Employment for support.
Carmen enrolled in our PRIME (PACE Readiness in Medical Employment) program, launched in partnership with Cedars-Sinai to help individuals facing employment barriers gain the skills and credentials needed to enter or advance in the healthcare field. With PACE’s guidance, she pursued nurse assistant training, receiving tuition assistance and transportation aid to help her along the way
Carmen’s dedication paid off: she successfully completed the program and was hired immediately. To ease her transition, PACE provided work essentials, including scrubs and additional support until her first paycheck arrived
Carmen’s journey didn’t just transform her life it inspired her family. Seeing her success, her eldest daughter also joined the PRIME program and is now a nurse assistant, continuing the legacy of resilience and growth that Carmen started
PACE Business
PACE Business is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of small business owners by providing access to capital, technical assistance, and procurement opportunities.
Our Services: The 3 C’s
PACE Business is built on the 3 C's: counseling, capital, and contracts. Through one-onone counseling, access to capital, and procurement assistance, we help entrepreneurs develop their businesses, secure funding, and expand through contract opportunities
In the 2023-2024 program year, we mobilized our comprehensive services to meet the needs of the small business community:
When the I-10 Freeway closure disrupted local businesses, our counselors provided onsite recovery support at the city’s I-10 Freeway Fire Business Local Assistance Center.
PACE proudly served on Monterey Park’s Economic Development Strategic Plan Task Force to help shape a five-year roadmap for the city’s economic development
PACE cohosted the 2024 MBE Connect Summit with the U.S. Department of Energy, bringing together nearly 800 attendees for 1,500+ matchmaking sessions focused on $400B in federal clean energy contracts for disadvantaged businesses.
Through these efforts, PACE continues to be a driving force in fostering thriving enterprises that strengthen our community and local economies.
536 Jobs Created/ Retained
1,923 Financial Education Trainees
848
Businesses Assisted
5,701 Entrepreneurs Trained/Counseled
Lending
As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), PACE provides tailored loan investments and financial services to underserved communities facing barriers to traditional financing
$13.8 MM Loans Packaged/Placed/ Funded
Whether due to systemic inequities, limited credit history, or financial constraints, many entrepreneurs struggle to access the capital they need. PACE helps bridge this gap by offering critical financial support, empowering small businesses to start, grow, and succeed, and strengthening economic growth in communities that need it most.
Client Spotlight: Evi Yeh
Chef Evi Yeh, owner of Chef Evi Catering & Events LLC, faced significant challenges due to the pandemic and entertainment industry strikes in Los Angeles. As events were canceled or postponed, her business struggled to stay afloat In need of support, Evi reached out to the Hollywood BusinessSource Center for counseling services.
PACE’s business and loan counselors identified a promising grant opportunity through the California Restaurant Foundation Resilience Fund Initially unsure about the grant application process, Evi was hesitant to apply. However, with encouragement and assistance from the PACE team, she submitted her application and successfully secured $10,000 in funding This life-changing support allowed Evi to retain her employees, invest in new equipment, and strengthen her operations, ensuring her business remained open and thriving.
When we learned we had won the $10,000 grant, it was life-changing. Knowing we could keep the lights on and pay our team, whom I consider family, made the emotional rollercoaster of the past months bearable. We’re so thankful for this support and excited to continue spreading happiness through our food.
- Evi Yeh, PACE Business client
PACE Housing
PACE believes that affordable housing is essential to building thriving communities, providing stability and a foundation for long-term economic security.
The Issue
According to the 2024 Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Needs Report, nearly 500,000 low-income renter households do not have access to an affordable home Additionally, renters would need to earn 2.9 times the minimum wage to afford the average asking rent in L.A. County. As a result, rising rents, a shortage of affordable housing, and systemic inequities have left many Angelenos without stable housing
Our Solution
In the face of Los Angeles' ongoing housing crisis, PACE continues to be a leader in providing secure and affordable housing With nearly 1,000 units under our management, we ensure that affordability remains a priority, with some units as low as 20% AMI (Area Median Income). Additionally, PACE reserves housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, older adults, people with disabilities, and transitional youth.
Our housing residents also benefit from PACE’s free, in-house programming, including childcare, financial literacy training, employment support, credit building, utility assistance, and more. This holistic approach ensures that those we serve gain not just housing, but a foundation for economic self-sufficiency
905
Affordable Housing Units Managed
943
Low-Income Residents Served
TEACH-LA
TEACH-LA is nurturing the next generation of educators by offering lifelong career paths while bolstering the early childhood education workforce.
Expanding Access to Early Childhood Education
Underinvestment in early childhood education alongside a severe shortage of educators is impeding children’s ability to receive a quality education, especially among low-income and disadvantaged communities.
To address this challenge, PACE launched TEACH-LA in early 2024, a workforce initiative that equips low-income individuals with the training and support needed to become early childhood educators for children aged 18 months to 4 years.
27
Jobs Created
61
Classrooms Served
Funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, TEACH-LA provides an entry and pathway into the early childhood education sector, in which aspiring teachers can earn income while gaining first-hand work experience. In partnership with local community colleges and institutes of higher learning, TEACH-LA supports program participants to fulfill the requirements necessary to attain a teacher permit.
As TEACH-LA grows, PACE remains committed to fostering career pathways, supporting access to good jobs, and ensuring quality education for all
Stop the Hate
Stop the Hate is a program funded by the California Department of Social Services that aims to create more inclusive communities by providing services, support, and prevention measures to victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes.
As a Stop the Hate grantee, PACE is committed to raising awareness about anti-AAPI hate, equipping victims with the knowledge to respond to and report hate, and promoting culturally sensitive practices within law enforcement In collaboration with the Korean American Law Enforcement Organization (KALEO), we conduct digital and in-person trainings and develop educational resources tailored for law enforcement, older adults, and community members.
Our Security and Awareness as Fundamental Education (SAFE) training video and accompanying presentation has been translated into over 10 languages, ensuring greater accessibility for our target communities. By empowering individuals with knowledge and multilingual resources, we strive to create a safer, more inclusive Los Angeles for all
24 Community Safety Trainings
15,809 Reached Through Digital/Social Media
1,121 Training Attendees
Thank You!
We’re truly grateful to our partners and funders for their generosity and commitment to our mission. Because of you, we’ve been able to provide programs that promote real, lasting economic opportunities for underserved communities across Los Angeles
GOVERNMENT
California Department of Social Services
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
California Office of the Small Business
Advocate, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) - CA Dream Fund, WBC Enhancement Program, & Technical Assistance Expansion Program (TAEP)
California State Department of Community Services & Development (CSD)
California State Treasurer, California Investment & Innovation Program
California Workforce Development Board (CWDB)
California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development (EWDD) - WIOA
County of Los Angeles
Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Office of Refugee Resettlement MicroEnterprise Development Program (ORR-MED)
Department of Labor
Economic Development Agency, Economic Adjustment Assistance
Los Angeles BusinessSource Center (BSC) - Pico Union/Westlake & Hollywood
Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) - Small Business Grants
Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
US Department of the Treasury, State Small Business Credit Initiative, Technical Assistance
US Small Business Administration, Microloan TA
US Small Business Administration, Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO)
IN-KIND
Baby2Baby
BuiltAll Construction
CM School Supply
Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
DJR Consulting
Elite Total Renovation
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Harbor Building Maintenance
Kaplan
Karen Schultz
Lakeshore
Maeshiro Consulting
One Voice
Optum Healthcare
Public Broadcasting Services (PBS)
Salma Baqai
PRIVATE
The Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)
Am Ortega
Adam White
American First National Bank
American Integrated Services
Amornrattana Thammagno
Andrew Campbell
Anonymous
Anthony Li
ARB/Primoris Service Corporation
ArchitectsMSP
Argus Contracting
Bank of America
Bank of Hope - Contributor 22-23
Bolton
Bridgewater Consulting Group
BuiltAll
Caitlin Chen
Carol Gallant
Cathay Bank
CBRE LA
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Central Coast Energy Services, Inc
Child Care Alliance Los Angeles - Quality
Start Los Angeles (QSLA)
Citi Bank
CM Solutions
Comerica Bank
Connie Chung
Cordoba Construction
David W Louie
Dawn Kita
Diana Alfaro
E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc
East West Bank
Ecology Control Industries (ECI)
Elena A Frias
Emery Minh
Enterprise Bank & Trust
Erica Smith
Estevan Gutierrez
Evelina Markarian
EverTrust Bank
FAJ Consulting Services
First Citizens Bank
Hal Hays Construction
Henkles & McCoy
Henry Chen
HSBC Bank USA
HSP Inc
J.P. Morgan Chase
Jae Hwang
Jamison 1055 Wilshire LLC
PRIVATE (cont.)
Jason Killeen
Jeremy Ngo
Jessica Monge
John Mayeda
Johnson-Peltier
Jozier LLC
JPMorgan Chase
Kaiser Permanente
Kerry Doi
Kimberlyn Cao
Koko Archibong
Lendistry
Liberty Utilities
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor - First District
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor - Second District
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Luisa Ramos
Mark Adams
Mega Bank
Merriwether & Williams
Meruelo Enterprises
Michelle Garakian
MLArchitecture, Inc
Neil Yoneji
NPL
Open Bank
Osceola Consulting
Over J Consulting Inc
Pacific Coast Regional
Pacific Premier Bank
Peyman Malaz
PG&E
Preferred Bank
Rachel Benitez
Raekyun Kang
Richard Yoon
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Rosa Penaloza
Ruth Canlobo
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
Sandy Sakamoto
Sapphire Foundation
Saver Office Supplies
SE Pipeline
Sean McCullough
Simon Yu
SMBC MANUBANK (Manufacturers Bank)
SNEI California Inc.
SoCalGas
Southern California Edison (SCE)
Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas)
Southwest Gas
State Bank of India (California)
Stuart Steel
Taylor Chase-Wagniere
Teichert Pipelines
Timothy Ohanlon
Traci Nelson
Tracy Trinh
Trisha Murakawa
Turner Construction Inc
US Bank
UKOGF Foundation
Ultimate Supply
Underground Construction Co, Inc (UCC)
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Inc
University of California (USC) Good Neighbors Foundation
Vobecky Enterprises Inc
VPSS1
Wells Fargo
Yarely Lopez Vergara
VOLUNTEER
The Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)
Alfaro Insurance
Bank of America
Bet Tzedek
Cal State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Carbon Law Group
Cathay Bank
Citi Bank
City National Bank
CTBC Bank
First Bank
First General Bank
GV Tax Accounting Services
Genwest Capital
Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
LA Public Library
LA Sanitation and Environment
Lori Shao, Finli
Los Angeles BusinessSource Center (BSC) - Pico
Union/Westlake
Mega Bank
NetCoaching
P.C.
Pacific Premier Bank
PCB Bank
Preferred Bank
Trevor Wallace
US Bank
