This summer, United Way announced our TransformED Program to transform our education system in an equitable way, moving it away from ineffective models that deepen racial and economic inequities. TransformED invests in a dozen local organizations with a track record of student-centered services and advocacy. Grantee initiatives include increasing capacity-building for educators, establishing social-emotional support for families… continue reading Strength-Based Community Change is a Lifeline Empowering Families and Helping them Navigate Distance Learning

The primary driver of homelessness in Los Angeles County is the lack of affordable housing. Many families were struggling before COVID-19 and this has been compounded by job losses and a lack of childcare brought on by the pandemic. A UCLA study from May found that 36,000 additional families could become homeless as a result of eviction… continue reading supporting eviction defense and preventing homelessness

In March of this year, school closures turned students’ lives upside down from one week to another. United Way of Greater Los Angeles and our Pandemic Relief Fund grantee Communities in Schools Los Angeles have stepped up to help families during this challenging time. Paulina Fernandez College Acceptance Photo “For many, school provided a consistent… continue reading Young Civic Leaders Program and Communities in Schools LA step up as students face the challenges of COVID-19

Reflections from Elise Buik Yesterday the world was hit with the devastating news of the sudden deaths of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, along with her basketball teammates Payton Chester and Alyssa Altobelli, Payton’s mother Sarah, Alyssa’s parents John and Keri, assistant basketball coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan, due to a… continue reading United Way of Greater Los Angeles Remembers Kobe Bryant

For the last 6 months, Nancy had been coached on tracking her spending and creating a budget through the help of a financial coach from the Building Skills Partnership (BSP), supported by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Together with her coach, they outlined a goal to spend less on clothes and save $20 for… continue reading Meet Nancy, Recipient of Successful Economic Mobility Partnerships

Yesterday was a promising start to the new year as we saw the grand opening of 88th and Vermont, a 62-unit project of supportive and affordable housing, with a youth and family support center, is one of many that will open this year under the Proposition HHH housing bond. These homes, being developed throughout the city, will… continue reading 88th and Vermont Grand Opening

Too often, the holiday season can be a financial burden for our most vulnerable neighbors. Knowing that LA Rams Starting Offensive Tackle Andrew Whitworth made all the difference by surprising families this past season of giving.   On December 23, 2019, just in time for Christmas, Whitworth spread the holiday cheer by generously purchasing gifts for every… continue reading LA Rams Offensive Tackle Andrew Whitworth Gives Back This Holiday Season

On this International Women’s Day, we have so many women to celebrate we can’t begin to name them all. Women who have stood tall and shared their strength with us, powering our efforts and breaking through challenges our communities face. We want to take a moment to acknowledge all the women who fundraise, advocate, volunteer… continue reading Meet Veronica Lewis, One of the Many Inspiring Women Who Power Our Mission

A KPCC article published this morning reports that the most recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau rank California at No. 1 in national poverty when living expenses are factored in. Though the overall census report places California at 16th on the list (with a 14.5 percent poverty rate), a more complete evaluation of the cost-of-living in… continue reading California Ranks No. 1 in National Poverty Per New Figures from U.S. Census Bureau

EDITOR’S NOTE: Read Part 1 of the series at The Walkout — How a Student Movement in 1968 Changed Schools Forever and Part 2 at 40 Years After “The Walkout” — A Turning Point in LAUSD Education Reform. There was great excitement when the A–G resolution passed on June 14, 2005 (as covered in Part 2 of The Walkout series). … continue reading The Walk Ahead: Ensuring Students are Prepared After High School Graduation (“Walkout” Part 3 of 3)