Community Foundation Raising Funds For Summer Activities For Low-Income L.A. Youth

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Jun 21, 2012, 04:37 ET

Programs Funded by the Summer Youth Fund Reduce Gang-Related Crimes

LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly all of LAUSD's 664,000 students will be out of school this summer, but will have limited options for academic or recreational activities due to cutbacks in summer programs. Kids in low-income neighborhoods will be disproportionately affected unless private funding increases. California Community Foundation (CCF) is, therefore, contributing funds and seeking donations to the Summer Youth Fund, which will then make grants to the City of L.A.'s Summer Night Lights program and the YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

"For kids from low-income families and neighborhoods, summer can be an idle or even dangerous time," said Antonia Hernandez, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation. "Donations to the Summer Youth Fund go to ensuring that as many children and youth as possible in L.A. County can still have safe, affordable and easily accessible places to play, learn and grow while school is out and their parents are busy."

Last year, the City of L.A.'s program contributed to a reduction of 35 percent in gang-related crimes around Summer Night Lights sites. More than 700,000 youth in L.A. attended summer camps, participated in educational enrichment and leadership development programs, and enjoyed arts and recreational activities through the YMCA, with support from the Summer Youth Fund at CCF.

"I got to do things, not sit around the house. I played LEGOs and built whole cities! I swam a lot, every day, and I laughed. Oh, and I made friends! I was excited to come to camp here. I wanted to make friends, and I made three," said 12-year-old Quinton, a YMCA summer camp participant.

Donations in any amount from individuals, families, companies and organizations can be made online at www.calfund.org/summeryouthfund.

California Community Foundation (CCF) is a public, charitable organization serving Los Angeles County in multiple capacities since 1915. It encourages philanthropy by individuals, families, companies and organizations, and serves as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies. It makes grants to and collaborates with nonprofits to address needs in their communities, with emphasis on the most vulnerable individuals and families. It convenes and engages with private, public and nonprofits sector partners in community problem solving and advocacy work. For more information, visit www.calfund.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/calfund.

Contact: Raul Garza
Phone: (213) 413-4130 ext 229
E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE California Community Foundation