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lulu1

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1 reviews

Review for HEART OF LOS ANGELES YOUTH INC, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

I never realized 7 months ago that HOLA would turn out to be such a source of inspiration for me. It was then, that a friend took me to see Dan McCleary's art program for inner city youth. I spend about 2 hours that day looking at the student's art work and talking with Dan & others. The excitement in the art studio was clearly, coming from both the students and the amazing staff. Having spent 30 years as a special education teacher and having collected art since I first graduated from UCLA, I was stunned by the quality of the student's work and the qualities of the teaching staff. To say that HOLA exudes warmth, would be an understatement. The mutual respect between teachers and students was immediately seen and felt. That day I met Dan, Javiere, Maria, Anna, Juan, and Zorayda. I knew I wanted to be part of this unique place - in any capacity. After Dan & I talked, it became clear that I could best be of service to HOLA by volunteering as a tutor for some of the art students. I then met with Zorayda to arrange hours & to discuss the students that I might meet with, on a twice weekly basis, after school. Soon after, I first met with Axel, James, and George. Helping these guys and meeting other staff members was truly a gift. HOLA has touched my heart. Sincerely, Lois Powers

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

exceptionally dedicated to helping the students. The quality of both instruction and the student's art work is outstanding, as is the mutual respect between teacher and student.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

offer a safe environment in which to help hundreds more inner city children achieve success. The programs could be expanded to offer more week-end classes, busing for youngsters, and, lastly, offer more college scholarships.

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every week

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2010

Role:  Volunteer & I tutor three students twice a week.