My Nonprofit Reviews

My son was a bit of a lost soul. Didn't fit in with the "jocks" and just basically had no direction. He started to put on weight and retreated from the friends he had.... We had tried many sports, but none were a good fit for him. Team sports were a nightmare as he was always last to be picked a side, no one would throw him the ball - you get the picture... Heartbreaking for a parent to see..... We one day three years ago THANKFULLY was approached by a wonderful lady by the name of Sally B. She is one of LAMI's wonderful volunteers! She asked how old our son was and then suggested that on the weekend after we had met her, own son might want to try sailing for a day onboard one of the Brigantines LAMI has that take out kids (amongst many different groups) and teaches them to sail, how to work as a team/crew member, etc... OH MY GOODNESS, HIS WORLD (AND OURS) CHANGED FROM THAT MEETING AND THAT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!! So Josh has now been sailing/crewing/working maintenance for the past 3 years with the Los Angeles Maritime Institute's youth program. It blows my mind how much this program has changed Josh. He is so confident now, gregarious, stands straight and has gotten healthy (he wanted to get healthy to help him around the tall ship more and especially for when he got to climb the rigging)! He regards the crews and Captains from the Irving and Exy Johnson as a second family. They are patient and kind, and give the kids responsibilities that help them grow as individuals and to learn how to work as part of a team. The lessons and guidance Josh has received from his time over the past three years is INVALUBLE!!!!!! We are forever grateful for the day we happened to run into Miss Sally Braeden! As parents we are totally confident with leaving Josh in the expert hands of the LAMI crews. We know they will look after them (re safety), but also mentor and lead Josh to be a confident and proud young man! For this we are truly grateful. Plus it is fun for the kids (and adults)! I can say enough about this amazing program and cannot wait until Josh's younger siblings are old enough to take part in the wonderful experience LAMI offers. Thank you LAMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!