The Youth Center

I have worked at The Youth Center for nearly two years now and everyday I am amazed at the different ways children and families are helped. Adopt-a-family for the holiday, scholarships, book and school supply drives, the list goes on and on. Great job to the staff for stepping up during the pandemic and containing to make a difference.

The Youth Center stepped up during this crazy year and provided childcare to essential workers when no one else was. The Youth Center goes above and beyond for the community. Their team is dedicated to making the children's lives better and that can be clearly seen when you stop by.

I recently came across The Youth Center when I was looking for before school childcare. My kids have been going to their program for 3 weeks now and come home talking about how much fun they have. The staff does an amazing job helping with homework, keeping the kids engaged with fun games and science. When I picked up my kids yesterday, I saw the staff sanitizing the craft supplies. Made me feel really good knowing I am leaving my kids with such a great organization.

Best summer program! My son has been going here for years! Jamie is the best and very accommodating

I love The Youth Center. Lina and her staff really stepped up during this year to help families in need. My sons loved Camp SHARK and now in after school program. Staff helps them with distance learning and gives them confidence to be successful at school. They made new friends, play lots of sports and they feel welcomed. They want to work at The Youth Center when they are older. Thank you to everyone who takes care of our boys. What a blessing to have such an incredible organization in our community. I recommend The Youth Center to everyone.

I started volunteering with The Youth Center this past summer. I quickly discovered, it was not what I was expecting. Thanks to the leadership team, I learned I have more skills than I thought. I was expecting to be cleaning and observing children play; however, I was pleasantly surprised I did much more. I was a large factor in making sure the children had TONS of summer fun, including teaching science experiments and art techniques. I feel more confident in my abilities to help people around me and know I made a difference this summer. Being part of the volunteer program taught me to not give up and continue to believe in myself. Can't wait to volunteer with them again!

I have been familiar with the los Alamitos Youth Center for many years. However, i have had
the privilege of serving on the Board for the past three years.
This organization is dedicated to serve the needs of young people in the community.
They provide a place for children to come and do homework or have supervised fun activities.

The Youth Center is such a wonderful program, it really goes beyond any expectations you can possibly have. The staff and directors are the sweetest most caring people you'll ever meet. They really do make it their goal to provide the best child care for parents. I definitely recommend this program!

I am fortunate to recently volunteer at The Youth Center. I have been impressed by how attentive the staff is to the kids & how much the kids seem to enjoy it here.

The Youth Center in Los Alamitos has been around since 1952 serving children and their families with valuable programs and activities to benefit them. They touch the lives of more than 3,000 youth a year in their summer camps, after school programs, music education programs.
If my kids were school-aged I would definitely have them go here.

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.

I been Volunteering for Two Weeks Great Staff Nice People

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.

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!!!

PLEASEEEEEEEEE HELP our YOUTH!!!

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.

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.

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.

I love volunteering here! The environment is great and the staffs are very nice and welcoming. It’s a wonderful place.

The Youth Center in Los Alamitos has been around since 1952 serving children and their families with valuable programs and activities to benefit them. They touch the lives of more than 3,000 youth a year in their summer camps, after school programs, music education program, Every 15 Minutes drunk driving determent bi-annual event, and more. I've never seen an organization so dedicated to serving the community as the Youth Center.

The Youth Center is truly a wonderful organization. I am amazed by the individuals that run the Youth Center and it all starts with Lina. Everyone I've met truly cares about the Youth Center and the children it mentors. Being involved with the Youth Center is one of the most rewarding things I have ever been involved in.

The staff here at The Youth Center in Los Alamitos are so good always busy brainstorming on new ways to make the kids time here at the center safe and memorable. I'm really impressed, they are always making sure the kids needs comes first and always reaching out to the community. Always seeking and searching for more opportunity, support and donations to make the organization more profitable.

To whom it may concern,
My son has been attending a homework program at the youth center in Los Alamitos. It has made life at home completely different. I can actually enjoy quality time with my son instead of arguing with him to do his homework and feeling helpless when I'm unable to help him. Kashen like many other kids comes from a divorced family so it has been a blessing for him to a stable homework place and person (Jay) to help him. Kashen has struggled with his grades always and I am happy to say I looked at his grades and he has 4 As and 2 Bs I attribute that to his after school homework program It also has also helped Kashen with self confidence and his anxiety has gone down tremendously because he is organized. Life changing!!!!! Thank you,
Lori Sundey

I was a volunteer at the Los Alamitos Youth Center and I have to say it was very pleasant! I have volunteered at several places over the years and The Youth Center is by far my favorite. The staff is amazing, friendly and very organized. They go over and beyond for the children as well as their family members. The children always seem happy and busy having fun with the many activities the Youth Center has to offer. I look forward to giving more of my time to the staff and children here at Los Alamitos Youth Center.

My three boys currently attend the Los Alamitos Youth Center during the school year, and I couldn't be more pleased. The staff is kind and courteous while maintaining a calm and safe space. The computer room is perfect for those students that want to get a jump start on their homework. While we've only utilized the LAYC during the school year, there are many other events that happen all year round. My oldest is currently looking forward to helping out the LAYC during Christmas with their Christmas tree fundraiser.
Mindy Ruiz

The 3rd Annual Los Alamitos Youth Center Golf Tournament is an amazing vehicle to provide much needed funds for the Los Alamitos Youth Center Scholarship summer camp fund. The tournament will prove to be an amazing golf experience filled with fun games, good food, exciting competition and most of all a chance to provide funds back to the youth center. We almost have a full field of golfers so sign up now to reserve your foursome and we still have chances for sponsorship.... Make a difference for the Los Alamitos Youth Center and participate!

My kids are loving Camp SHARK! They love science experiments, sports, and contests. This is not just a regular summer camp. The Youth Center really knows how to combine learning and fun. Staff is so friendly and welcoming. Activities are so much fun, I want to go to camp. Kids want to go to camp early and don't want me to pick them up earlier than 7 p.m. As a parent, this camp by far is the best thing that happened to my family. This is our 3rd summer with Camp SHARK and my children made new friends, learned a lot, and stayed active all summer long.

Lina the director, Julie, and John all of them are nice and always think about the students. All other stuff are well educated and trained. I hear the students laugh playing sports and I see some students studying hard everyday.

Lina and the Staff at the Los Alamitos Youth Center is the best!! The youth center is the only place that kids can come after school for free! I'm so impressed with the staff there! They make sure the kids come first! And they reach out to the whole community and Beyond!!!

Seeing the impact a death (during the Every 15 Minutes program) had not only on the child but on so many other people really put into perspective the ripple effect that kind of death has. It showed me that if I were to die, it wouldn't be just me that would be dying. My parents, friends, and anyone who cares at all would also be affected by a horrific event like this. So many people's lives are affected, which made me understand how selfish it is to drink and drive.

There were so many things that impacted me about Every 15 Minutes program. The things that made me cry so much were when I heard my obituary being read out loud to my class and watching the students and my teacher cry. When we wrote letters to our parents at the end of the night, it was so emotional. Reading the one my dad wrote to me was heartbreaking. Seeing my tombstone the next day with flowers and letters and pictures and things really hit me. This program impacted people so much and it broke my heart. It's such an important program and I'm so happy to have been involved. Listening to the guest speaker really showcased the reality of this program. Siting with each other lighting the candles was so amazing and great to hear us all speak and reflect. It really brought us all so close. I consider all of these kids my best friends now and I love them all. Watching the trial literally took my breath away. Hearing parents make impact statements about their kids is something I will never forget.

Learning to say everyday what you want to tell people that you love. Cherishing every moment with your child and take nothing for granted. I will share what I learned from Every 15 Minutes program with everyone who will listen....tomorrow is not promised.

I'm so thankful for the whole experience and am extremely glad to have been able to been a part of such an important program (Every 15 Minutes). The assembly and the courthouse were very impactful.

It is a great organization that helps impact kids lives. The volunteers and staff are wonderful and dedicated. The Youth Center is keen on teaching moral values and empathy along with making long lasting friendships with kids.

I Volunteered at the camp and learned how to deal with little kids. I enjoyed serving the community for Los Al.

A mainstay in Los Alamitos and surrounding communities. Excellent staff help our youth increase their self-esteem and become productive citizens. The wide variety of programs offer our youth many opportunities to thrive and flourish.

I have been going to the Youth Center Teen Camp since i was 12, the youngest you can be in teen camp, and it is so much fun! The leader is updated on the new trends and knows what we like. In teen camp, he lets us do what we want because its our summer-as he says. We go somewhere everyday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and those 6 hours are packed with excitement and summer fun! I highly recommend this camp to anyone in age of 12+.

I have volunteered at Los Alamitos Youth Center for over a year and I hope to do so for many more years to come. The After School Program is an energetic, fun, and happy place. The staff keeps a watchful eye on the kids and still have fun interacting with them. The Music Program is excellent and the kids love it. The Executive Director is hard working and dedicated to helping children. Every child should have the opportunity to belong to a Youth Group like The Youth Center.

We go on field trips twice a week and have several activities during camp hours. Most of the kids are great and we all have a fun time.

My grandchildren go to the After Scholl Program and they love it. There is so much to do and experience. I love it because they have staff and a computer room to help with their homework. The staff is friendly and helpful and ever watchful. Both parents work, so I am in charge of the children and it is a big help to me especially at my age. I just can't thank them enough.

Both of my sons attended The Youth Center right after they got out of Middle School. The Youth Center is conveniently located next to the school. My wife and I both worked and The Youth Center was a life saver for us. We knew they were in a safe environment where they could either do their homework or just socialize with their friends in a safe supervised environment. The staff was terrific and our boys loved going there. They also attended the summer day camp which they thoroughly enjoyed.
When they were old enough they served as counselors at the day camp.
It is an invaluable resource in our community.

I've donated to The Youth Center for 5 years now as I am a strong supporter of the work they do for youth and their families. They have a very dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors and serve thousands of families through their programs. The community would not be nearly as strong as it is today if we didn't have their services and I encourage everyone to make a donation annually to help them continue and expand the great work they do for the local and surrounding communities!

The Youth Center has been such an amazing place. My daughters have attended for many years and love it so much we return every year. The youth center has been a safe place for my daughters to attend during the school year and also during Summer as well. what they do for the kids is so amazing, I wouldn't take my children any other place. thank you the youth center you ROCK!

I have been with the Youth center for 2 years and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. I look forward to coming in and working with the kids on a daily basis. when I started volunteering at the youth center it was no doubt that I wanted to work for this amazing organization that provides so much, not only to the kids in the community but also other communities as well. the youth center Rocks!

My son attended the Youth Center about eight years ago and absolutely loved it. As a parent, the staff and leadership team were wonderful to work with and I greatly appreciated their efforts. Five years ago I began working with a Board member to raise funds during their annual campaign drive. At the time I was amazed at the services they offered to the community and how the community in turn appreciated and supported their work.
Three years ago I began working for the Youth Center part time and am now a full time employee.
I am proud to be a part of this organization and feel blessed to work with such caring and hard-working individuals. I am very thankful for all of the parents, businesses and community members that support the Youth Center's many initiatives by giving of themselves both in time and funding. I am also grateful for being in a position to witness first-hand how youth literally grow with us -- as young children participating in our programs, to volunteering as teens and for some, becoming employees and even Board Members. Thank you so much to everyone who supports our mission!

I have been involved with the Youth Center for years because they have programs that matter and help the community over and beyond what could be expected of an organization like this one. I love the Youth Center!

I have been a volunteer here for about two and half years. It a nice place in a great neighborhood and it serves children from Los Alamitos and surrounding cities. There is a lot of activities and as you'd expect, something always needs painting, fixing, assembly or more. I find it a great place to help out and its all for a good cause. If you'd like to help out a few days or hours a week and you live on or near Los Alamitos, I encourage you to contact the center and ask about volunteering opportunities.

I am EXTREMELY GLAD that I was a part of Every 15 Minutes program!!!! Best thing I ever signed up for.

I am a parent participant of Every 15 Minutes Program. Students should apply to be a part of this program. You will make an impact on all those around you and will actually save lives in the process. It is intense, emotional and life changing. You will come out wiser, stronger and more appreciative of the gift of life you have and the power to make the right choices for yourself. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

I am so glad I was able to be apart of this amazing program and group!!! It was such a beautiful experience. I learned not to get behind a wheel and while under the influence or to get into a car who is drinking who is under the influence. I think it really made me a better person to cherish the friendships I have and to always let my parents know I love them. So thank you for that.