#United States #Los Angeles #L.A. Works #Volunteerism #Elizabeth Koch Foundation

L.A. Works Receives Vital Grant to Enhance Community Volunteerism

L.A. Works, a leading nonprofit that specializes in mobilizing volunteers throughout Los Angeles, has recently been awarded a significant grant from the esteemed Elizabeth R. Koch Foundation. As one of only 50 organizations selected across Los Angeles County, this funding will help L.A. Works further its mission to connect residents and foster community engagement.

The Elizabeth R. Koch Foundation aims to recognize and support organizations that promote compassion, understanding, and connectivity among individuals. This grant signifies a major step toward expanding the volunteerism efforts at L.A. Works, which already has a rich history of engaging the local populace for over 35 years in meaningful community projects. The funding will enable the organization to broaden its reach and increase access to volunteer opportunities that address pressing community needs, such as food insecurity, educational support, and environmental sustainability.

Deborah Brutchey, the Executive Director of L.A. Works, expressed gratitude towards the foundation, acknowledging the vital role that volunteerism plays in community development. She explained that fostering volunteerism not only addresses immediate community challenges but also enhances personal growth by promoting empathy and understanding across diverse populations. "Generous donors like the Elizabeth Koch Foundation allow us to bring more Angelenos together to serve and to build a more compassionate city," stated Brutchey.

The grant will specifically allow L.A. Works to work on various initiatives, including developing robust volunteer programs aimed at different community sectors and demographics. This means tackling issues that span from aiding families facing food scarcity to offering educational resources for underprivileged youth and participating in community clean-up initiatives for environmental betterment.

Moreover, the programs facilitated by L.A. Works are customized for a wide array of volunteers. One notable initiative, the RSVP program, connects individuals over the age of 55 with opportunities that maximize their unique skills and experiences, ensuring they play an essential role in community service. In addition, the FAVE program engages families in collaborative service projects that focus on instilling the values of philanthropy and social responsibility in younger generations, thereby nurturing a culture of giving back.

The impact of L.A. Works is profound, having mobilized hundreds of thousands of volunteers since its establishment in 1991. With the backing from the Elizabeth R. Koch Foundation, the organization anticipates reaching even greater heights, reinforcing its commitment to enriching the local community and empowering Angelenos to partake in service. Volunteers have the opportunity not only to make a difference in others' lives but to broaden their own perspectives through collaboration and shared experiences.

L.A. Works emphasizes that each volunteer can help change lives, including their own, through acts of kindness and service. Their model encourages citizenship and civic engagement, which are crucial for a resilient community spirit.

As the landscape of Los Angeles continues to evolve, the need for strong community bonds grows increasingly important. The support from the Elizabeth R. Koch Foundation will enable L.A. Works to meet these needs head-on, ensuring that the spirit of volunteerism remains vibrant in the City of Angels. With the aim to connect more people with impactful initiatives, L.A. Works paves the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society, embodying the essence of what it means to be a part of a supportive community.

For more information on how to get involved with L.A. Works or to learn more about their initiatives, please visit their website at www.laworks.com.