Together for Hope - COVID-19 Response for Youth

AmeriCorps is a national community service program, and plays a critical role in LAYC’s support of youth and families. LAYC AmeriCorps members – most of whom grew up in the communities we serve – work in our afterschool programs as teachers’ aides and mentors. As they help students achieve academic goals, AmeriCorps members gain exposure to the fields of education and social work, and gain skills required for positions at LAYC, other community nonprofits, and local school systems. 

LAYC acted on the principle that our families deserve to be treated with dignity and have access to basic needs; from rental and food assistance to diapers and toiletries. We made it clear we would help to provide resources and services to all families we serve.

• LAYC AmeriCorps members addressed food insecurity. Each week, they helped distribute over 300 boxes of fresh meals provided by local restaurants.

• LAYC AmeriCorps members creatively adapted academic support for middle and high school youth to virtual formats and distributed laptops to help bridge the technology divide.

• LAYC AmeriCorps members provided a safe space in which youth could share their worries and encourage one another.  

 “It feels really special. You see how they progress from September to July, especially in their English skills. It's really rewarding to see how they grow academically through our afterschool programming and our tutoring. You feel like you've made a difference in their lives and can help them out with their future.”  - Aileen M., LAYC AmeriCorps Member/Afterschool Program Coordinator

Thank you for your support which allows LAYC staff and AmeriCorps members to get things done for our community. To learn more check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zWv5izxI44.