I first learned about The youth center when my son wanted to go to summer camp and I sen him to the "wrong one" - he wanted not just any summer camp but wanted "the fun one" done by The Youth Center!Since then my 3 kids grew up with the Youth Center, not just the day camp but also participating in the Leadership academy, volunteering at The tree Lot and as a counselor.When they graduated from high school, the executive director of the youth center asked me to say a few words about what it meant to them and I was honored to speak to the board and supporters. I also learned about what the board does to support this great organization and joined as board member later that year.The things our non-profit does help not just the kids but the entire community as we help other non-profits with our tree Lot and entire families with our programs.I am grateful for the help The Youth Center gave our children, and proud of my contribution back to the organization to help others.
I first heard about The Youth Center towards the end of my junior year at Los Alamitos High. New to the area, I wanted to find a way to get involved and get to know my community. Since that summer volunteering for the program now known as Camp Shark, I’ve gained valuable work experience, become more in touch with my community, and gotten to know countless kids and friends because if my involvement with this awesome organization. The next summers I spent as a staff member, and now work at the after school program. I have loved seeing The Youth Center expand and grow, and as much as it has given back to the kids, it has given back to me as well.
I grew up in Los Alamitos and I remember participating in several programs at the Youth Center. My favorite by far was the Leadership Academy in 2015; I learned a lot of important life skills that I took with me to college and the workplace. Now I actually work with the Youth Center, which I could not be happier about. It is very fulfilling to know that we are enriching the lives of community kids with our music program, after-school care, summer camps, and other services.
Omg how could I start I’ve been working at the lovely place called the youth center in Los Alamitos as a volunteer and it’s been nothing but amazing . The staff the facility everything attached to this center is amazing it’s a great pleasure to be here.
Growing up I would hear a lot about The Youth Center from my friends. Although I didn’t attend The Youth Center’s after school program or summer camps, I always heard about their remarkable impact that they left in my community. When I was young I would attend their Halloween maze, and once I was old enough I would volunteer at their Christmas Tree lot. Now as an employee I find myself extremely lucky to be a part of such a special organization. I highly recommend this location as a special place to allow kids to grow and achieve their academic and social goals while also having a lot of fun!
I have been involved with The Youth Center for 15 years, first as a parent, then as a board member and volunteer. I have planned, participated in many events to raise money for this wonderful non -profit. The Youth Center has been a difference in my son's life who is now 24 years old. They have helped instill core values, the spirit of volunteerism and helping others which he still does.
This local organization for kids is outstanding. They not only do incredible things for kids daily, but they have some of the most amazing events to raise money for their programs. Can’t wait for The Havana Night Gala 2020!!
Every year I am amazed at how many children The Youth Center serve and the many ways in which they add new components to each of their programs every year. They take the time to solicit "client" feedback from children and their parents in order to ensure they meet and even exceed their expectations. Children and teens want to return every year and the fact that they provide scholarships to local families in need is impressive. This past year they've also focused on building new relationships in the community with corporations, city governments and small business and have tripled the amount of volunteers who are interested in helping children grow in mind, body and spirit and on ensuring that The Youth Center is always here for them. I am proud to be a donor and to have the privilege to be involved with them. This is one community resource that we cannot do without -- no organization provides services for children in our area they way they do and with such care.
I first heard about The Youth Center through a friend who is a board member. He couldn't stop raving about the all the success and accomplishments of The Youth Center. I was personally drawn towards the organization because of the impact they make within the community. Over ONE MILLION hours serving children! The Youth Center's community is made up of volunteers, staff members, and parents who grew at The Youth Center. It means so much that there is an organization that has such an immense following.
My son loves Camp Shark and RASCALS! He reads every day and made a lot of new friends. During the last summer he went on trips, participated in science experiments, played lots of sports, and learned how to play a lot of "old" school board games. What a blast! We can't wait till next summer. Staff is truly exceptional at The Youth Center. They truly care about children. Thank you for what you do for our kids.
I am thrilled that my daughter was a part of the Every 15 Minutes program this year. It was an incredible opportunity for her and an experience that she will never forget!
Every 15 Minutes is an incredible program that I hope the students of LAHS get to continue to be a part of for years to come!!! Thank you to everyone that supported the program this year and all of the time, commitment, energy, and love invested!!!!
PLEASEEEEEEEEE HELP our YOUTH!!!
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The Youth Center has a great annual Fundraiser - Christmas Tree Lot. It's a true community tradition. Trees come directly from Oregon. You will not find the fresher tree anywhere. All the proceeds go to support the kids. When you come shop for a tree, an amazing youth normally will help you. Please support this awesome nonprofit.
I have been a volunteer for The Youth Center for 4 years and the staff and board members are caring, helpful, and dedicated to helping children and nearby communities. Jay is ever diligent in watching and caring for the children. He ran the summer camp this year and it was a huge success with the parents and most importantly the kids.
All the staff, Julie, Lorie and the young men and women who watch the children at the after school program and camps are ready to wipe a tear, help with homework, play games, and listen when a child needs to talk.
Lina Lumme (Executive Director) is a dynamo when it comes to getting donations, making fund raising events fun and profitable, and making the community aware of what The Youth Center does. She cares deeply for the children and is herself an active volunteer in several organizations in Los Alamitos and nearby communities
The Youth Center is a busy but organized place where children can feel safe, learn, and have fun.
I am proud to be associated with this wonderful place.
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I volunteer for Los Alamitos Youth Center, Inc. and it is a joy to be among the energizing, hard working, and fun staff. They are so dedicated to making Los Alamitos Youth Center a place that kids love to go to have fun, learn, do their homework, and be safe.. There is so much activity among the kids. Lots of happy noise. The staff is never too busy to answer a child's question or help him in the computer room. I love going there.
I first learned about The youth center when my son wanted to go to summer camp and I sen him to the "wrong one" - he wanted not just any summer camp but wanted "the fun one" done by The Youth Center!
Since then my 3 kids grew up with the Youth Center, not just the day camp but also participating in the Leadership academy, volunteering at The tree Lot and as a counselor.
When they graduated from high school, the executive director of the youth center asked me to say a few words about what it meant to them and I was honored to speak to the board and supporters. I also learned about what the board does to support this great organization and joined as board member later that year.
The things our non-profit does help not just the kids but the entire community as we help other non-profits with our tree Lot and entire families with our programs.
I am grateful for the help The Youth Center gave our children, and proud of my contribution back to the organization to help others.
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Me and my brothers have come here since we were in middle school, now we are 17, 20, and 23 respectively. It is amazing the small but important life skills that have developed in all 3 of us just from our interactions and lesson we took from this time being associated with The Youth Center. From attending as children, to volunteering over 1,200 hours (as a family) or working there as an employee, The Youth Center and their have dedicated themselves to changing These children's lives, one child at a time. I couldn't be more happy to have the opportunity to be a part of that same team that helped me grow into the young adult that i am.
The Teen Camp program is the best. Kids ages 12 and up get to spend an incredible summer exploring Southern California. One of the best camps for older kids in the area. Check it out!
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When you know that your kids are well taken care of while you work-it's priceless. When I pick them from the Youth Center and they are happy, it makes my day. When they say that their homework is all done, I feel thankful that I can spend a few hours left in each day to enjoy my family. The Youth Center is a part of my family that makes my life complete.
My son first attended Camp S.H.A.R.K., the summer camp that The Youth Center puts on every year, and he absolutely loved it. Not only did it give him a place to go to during the summer, but he made new friends, he stayed active, he played games, created art, and so much more. In fact, even months in the winter after camp was done and over, he kept asking me, "When do I get to go back to Camp S.H.A.R.K.?"
Every time I went to the park to drop or pick him up, all the kids were participating in fun activities together and playing outside, having a great time. The staff members are so attentive, caring and always demonstrate that they want to be there and truly care about your kids and their safety.
My son also loves attending Kids Night Out, which takes place once a month at The Youth Center. Each month there is a different theme. It gives him a chance to get out and do some fun activities with others. He never wants me to pick him by the time I come back to get him. He's sometimes one of the last ones to leave.
I'm just so grateful that this is an affordable, safe and fun place for him to go to where he can look back on one day and remember that he had an incredible childhood growing up.
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As an active board member for just a little over a year, I have to say it has been an incredible experience being a part of The Youth Center. I serve on a few of the board committees and it gives me insight to all the different areas that we are constantly improving and growing to better our programs, to make our board stronger and find ways to further serve our local community. Whenever we have an event where you hear the kids speak about how The Youth Center has impacted their lives and their families, you can't help but feel it touch your heart and be extremely proud of them and knowing you had a part in making that happen. The Youth Center equips our children with so much, whether it keeps them off the streets and out of trouble, helps them with challenges of school, or provides a place for them to foster new friendships, it is no doubt a special place that they will forever remember later in life. The Youth Center creates a foundation and environment to allow kids to grow in a safe place and become empowered with the skills they need to start off with in the real world. From a board member perspective, I have never been more proud to serve on a board of such amazing and giving whom I can call friends. Our strengths lie in pulling our gifts and resources together and we collaborate in such an effective way that strongly supports the staff and the programs they put together. The Youth Center is such an amazing example of one of the best nonprofits that I have ever had involvement with and I cannot express the gratitude and pride I have for this organization.
