“I WAS ENCOURAGED TO CHASE MY DREAM.”
Alumni Justin Zepeda shares how his discovery of football at LA’s BEST earned him a football scholarship to college.
“I FELT LIKE I HAD A PURPOSE.”
Alumni Darío Herrera recounts how his time on the Dance & Drill team impacted his childhood and beyond.
BRINGING OUR CULTURE TO THE GRAB & GO SITES
From “luau day” to handing out stickers, read how George Lee brought a sense of community and joy to the Grab & Go sites.
“I LEARNED THAT CHILDREN ARE NOT PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED, THEY ARE INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED TO BE DEVELOPED.”
Read how a student’s love for basketball -- and support from staff member George Lee -- taught him valuable life lessons and helped him succeed in school.
FROM A SHY BOY TO AN OUTGOING JOURNALIST.
Alumni Miguel found confidence in his writing skills thanks to his LA's BEST Coach's support. Now, he leads a successful career as a journalist, writer, and producer.
“GROWING UP IN EAST LA IN THE 90S HAD ITS CHALLENGES.”
Watch this video of Vanessa talking about memories and lessons learned at LA's BEST, and its impact on her and the community.
“THE STAFF HELPED FILL IN GAPS IN MY LEARNING.”
Alumni Mayra shares how she developed her learning skills and stepped out of her comfort zone to become who she is today.
“IF I WANT SOMETHING, I CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN.”
How Samantha learned to take the initiative in LA’s BEST.
“JESS, YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I AM NOT A SINGLE PARENT.”
Jessie shares how she built a meaningful relationship with a troubled student, which made the student's mother feel supported.
“NOT A WANT, BUT A NEED.”
Alumni Dennise Amaya tells us about how she found safety and support at LA's BEST.
“I FOUND MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT.”
Alumni Ashley Ramirez-Martinez explains how LA's BEST helped her navigate the educational system, and how it empowered her to pursue a career in medicine.
GRAB & GO DISTRIBUTION IN ACTION
Watch this video of staff meeting the immediate needs of our community by serving over 500,000 meals five days a week.
“I LEARNED REAL WORLD SKILLS.”
Alumni Wendy Ruiz tells us how LA’s BEST introduced her to a world she never knew.