LA CONSERVATION CORPS

C eleb r a ti ng 30 Yea rs!

2016

{ WELC O ME } Dear Friends, We are so excited to welcome you to our very special 30th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Spring Luncheon!

Banc of California congratulates the Los Angeles Conservation Corps on 30 years of transforming youth and enhancing communities. INVESTING IN CALIFORNIA We are reaching out to proven leaders and local causes with a commitment to building stronger communities through affordable housing and homeownership, financing small businesses, and financial literacy education. Banc of California is committed to focusing on the double bottom line–beneficial to both businesses and the community.

bancofcal.com

A special occasion like this deserves a special venue and what better place than the beautiful Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. A major theme for us this year is telling the Corps story – the individuals, the projects, the relationships, the lessons learned, the walls that have been knocked down – that comes together in one beautiful epic journey from the past to the future. We hope you will enjoy hearing a few of those stories today. We can think of no better way to mark this tremendous milestone for the Corps than by honoring the men who made it possible – Mickey Kantor and John Van de Kamp. Many of you know the story of how Mickey brought the Corps to life. Not only did he set the stage, but for three decades he has been bringing together the best players, keeping the curtains raised, and leading the cheering section. And, there has been no better advocate, advisor, and mentor for everyone at the Corps – staff, Corpsmembers, and fellow Board Members – than John Van de Kamp. Gentlemen, we cannot thank you enough for your commitment and your service. We also offer a standing ovation to all of the sponsors of today’s event and all of the wonderful partners that help us educate, support, and keep Corpsmembers working all year long. We thank all of you here today for supporting the work of the Russell Kantor Next Steps Fund that is changing Corpsmembers’ lives in profound ways all year long. Join us in a round of applause for all of our scholarship recipients as they embark on the next exciting act in their story. Thank you for joining us today and for being a part of our Corpmembers’ epic journeys. We look forward to sharing many more stories with you!

©2016 Banc of California, N.A. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.

Mercedes Morton, Esq. Chair, Board of Directors

Wendy Butts CEO

{ BOAR D MEMBER S }

{ A B O UT THE C O R P S } Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the LA Conservation Corps is the nation’s largest urban conservation corps with over 100 full-time staff serving approximately 9,000 young people each year throughout the greater Los Angeles area. We provide a supportive and enriching environment for at-risk youth and young adults to develop self-esteem, achieve their educational goals, establish life and career goals, and gain the skills necessary to become self-sufficient, responsible citizens who will positively contribute to our communities. The Corps has helped over 20,000 teens and young adults move from poverty to well-paying jobs, and post-secondary education. The Corps is also one of the area’s best partners in mitigating the economic and environmental challenges that accompany urban expansion. The Corps manages three primary programs:

MICKEY KANTOR Founder

Mercedes Morton

Albert Chavez

Samantha Martinez

Teresa Cisneros Burton

Jimmie I. Cho

Phil Recht

Gary Dunn

John Rego

Anne Freiermuth

Heidi Schulman

Risa Green

Steve Shestag

Helenann Hirsch

Dana S. Treister

Ann Hollister

John Van de Kamp

Bryan LeRoy

Julie Waxman

Mary Leslie

Dawn Wilson

President & Chair of the Board Vice Chair of the Board

Treasurer

Board Secretary

• The Young Adult Corps, our hallmark youth and workforce development program, offers out-of-school, out-of-work 18 to 24-year-olds a second chance at a high school diploma and valuable work experience that will enable them to compete for living wage jobs. We integrate academic education with life skills, job training, paid work experience, and case management using a green career pathways model. When they are at work they build parks and community gardens, repair sidewalks, plant trees, manage recycling programs, remove graffiti, install bike racks, maintain forest trails, and more. Some work at our SEA Lab or on Paddle the LA River. Those who need to earn their high school diploma attend Saito High School. We help them carve out a pathway of meaningful work, education, and training, and as they approach the end of their journey with the Corps we transition them to gainful bridge employment and support. • Clean & Green provides middle and high school youth the opportunity to gain environmental work experience. Crews clean neglected streets and alleys, abate graffiti, and plant trees to beautify communities. Supervisors strive to cultivate a positive work ethic and promote the value of staying in school, preparing for college, and giving back. • The Corps’ After-School Program offers academic enrichment, tutoring and mentoring services to elementary and middle school students throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District in a safe worry-free environment. The goal is to extend the school day in fun and exciting ways that help to cultivate critical thinking in young minds.

Thirty Years. Thousands of Youth. One Community.

{ FUTU R E O F THE CO R P S } Looking to the Future. The Next Thirty Years. The future of the LA Conservation Corps lies in the future of our Corpsmembers. Their triumphs are our triumphs. Their struggles are our struggles. We are committed to their success while they are in the Corps, and when they are out on their own. So today, as each Young Adult Corpsmember progresses through school and digs in with their colleagues planting trees, building parks, improving stormwater systems, installing solar panels, or remediating urban blight, they are also working their way along a Green Career Pathway. These Pathways – Land Management, Zero Waste, Construction, Energy, Manufacturing, Customer Service, and College Prep – are designed to develop and train the next generation of talented and dedicated workers for the growing green economic sector in Southern California. Because we believe that the right second chance can make the difference for anyone no matter how dire their situation or debilitating their past. They are earning their union certifications and equipment operator licenses. They are getting specialized trainings. They are building a resume of completed construction or habitat restoration projects. They are honing their teaching skills in our SEA Lab and After School Program. And we are making sure they have secure housing, transportation, child care, medical and mental health care, legal support, and much more. The key to our accomplishments over the past three decades has been our partnerships. That remains true now more than ever. We are inviting all of our public and private partners to the table to discuss the most beneficial projects that the Corps can take on for our communities, and the most beneficial trainings, life skills, and educational enrichment we can provide Corpsmembers to get them ready to work. And when we talk to each Corpsmember, we make sure they know that all of us are traveling the path to their success with them now and in the future.

Transforming lives. Enhancing communities.

Your LA Conservation Corps.

{ MIC KEY KAN TO R } Mickey Kantor

Founder of LA Conservation Corps Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor founded the LA Conservation Corps in 1986. “We walked into the bank with two cents in our pocket,” says Mr. Kantor, reflecting on the early days in the organization. “We needed a $45,000 loan to purchase three passenger vans. I’m pretty sure they laughed at us and asked us what our collateral would be.” He co-signed the loan, convinced it was important to the success of the Corps, but unsure how it would all work out. He just knew it would. And he was right. He credits the Corps’ growth and success to leadership, as well as hard work by everyone affiliated with the Corps. “There is tremendous commitment and caring by the staff, the board and all of the donors who support the work of the Corps,” he says. When asked about his proudest moment in the Corps, Kantor smiles. “We all ought to be proud of the Corps’ legacy of good human beings. We have helped create better human beings and contributing members of the community. Now that’s impact.” Among the many awards and honors he has received are: the Civic Medal of Honor by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Order of the Southern Cross Award by The Government of Brazil, 2001, the William O. Douglas Award by Public Counsel, the Thomas Jefferson Distinguished Public Service Medal from the Center for the Study of the Presidency, the Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award from the Hugh O’Brien Youth Foundation, and Elihu Root Distinguished Lecturer, Council on Foreign Relations. Mickey received a Bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University in 1961. After four years of service as a naval officer, he went on to study law at Georgetown University’s Law Center. He practiced law for 17 years at Manatt, Phelps, Phillips & Kantor in Los Angeles, where he was instrumental in building a relationship between the LA Conservation Corps and Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, which, to date, has provided countless hours of pro bono assistance to the Corps, and also valuable board members and financial support. Mickey continues to remain actively involved with the Corps, and its fundraising and public outreach efforts. He is currently a partner in the law firm of Mayer Brown.

{ JOH N VAN DE K A M P }

{ T H E R USSELL KAN TO R } Next Steps Fund

John Van de Kamp Founding and Continuing Board Member and Past President John Van de Kamp is a counsel in Mayer Brown’s Los Angeles office and a member of the Government practice. In a governmental career spanning some 30 years, he has served as US Attorney for California’s Central District, its first Federal Public Defender, Los Angeles County District Attorney (1975- 1983) and California Attorney General (1983-1991). He has extensive experience in arbitration and mediation, working through ADR and AAA. In 2007, he was appointed by the California Attorney General as its Monitor of the Getty Trust. He now serves as the Independent Reform Monitor for the City of Vernon. Following his public service, he has been President of the LA Conservation Corps, President of the California Historical Society, President of the California Planning and Conservation League, President of the California State Bar and President of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. He now serves on the Boards of the LA Conservation Corps, The Norton Museum, and RAND’s Justice, Infrastructure and Environment Advisory Board. He is Chairman of the Board of family owned Lawry’s Restaurants Inc.

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he Russell Kantor Next Steps Fund honors Russell’s memory by supporting scholarships and vocational training for the young men and women of the LA Conservation Corps as they head out into their futures.

{ SCHO L AR PRO F IL ES } KEISHA MILES | Young Adult Corps Corp Keisha was removed from her family at birth and put into the foster care system. Despite all of the challenges she’s faced throughout her life, Keisha has garnered the strength to forgive herself for her past actions and commit to building a better life for herself. Through her support system at the LA Conservation Corps, she was able to rebuild her life by taking every opportunity that came her way. “I would like thank the Corps for showing me a better life; for a fresh new beginning. I am trying to stay goal-oriented so I don’t go back to that horrible state in life ever again.” Keisha is now currently beginning her apprenticeship program with the Local 5 Union for Insulation Systems. OSCAR MONGE | Alumn Alumni i Oscar credits the LA Conservation Corps for influencing his future career goals to become a City Planner for the City of Los Angeles. Growing up in a neighborhood with recurring violence and lacking green spaces has only encouraged him to further his education. Thus, he is currently pursuing his Master’s in Urban Planning at USC Price School of Public Policy where he intends to become a stronger advocate for at-risk youth through policy and participatory planning. “My time working with the Corps as a Clean and Green participant and later as a full-time staff showed me the importance of working with inner-city youth to collaboratively identify solutions to shape their own communities and futures.” VANESSA TUBBS | Young Adult Corps s “If you really want something, you should always push and challenge yourself because nothing you want in life ever comes easy.” This piece of advice has changed Vanessa’s perspective on her life. The last three years have not been easy, as she has moved from house to house and state to state. After suffering through a few tragedies in her young life, Vanessa was able to regain her focus and graduated from Saito High in 2015, where she found so many opportunities and saw all of her hard work pay off. She attests her success to her supportive family—her grandma, especially. “All of the events in my life, I can say, has made me strong and made me who I am.” Vanessa is currently enrolled at Los Angeles Trade Tech College and is majoring in Business.

COLIN JOHNSON | Young Adult Corps At age nineteen, Colin moved from Guyana to the US knowing little to no English with zero academic credits. His relocation and his feeling of neglect from his parents caused him to perform poorly in school. It was at the LA Conservation Corps where he had the best high school experience, inclusive of a supportive staff that provided him numerous opportunities to grow and better himself. “This experience helped shape who I am by making me proactive and confident.” Since earning his high school diploma, Colin has taken every opportunity to move forward in pursuing a degree in Automotive Technology and hopes to manage an automobile repair shop of his own. He currently attends LA Trade Tech College. LATANYA LATANYA ROSS ROSS || Young Young Adult Adult Corps Corps Graduating high school was not an easy feat for Latanya, as she lacked the guidance and motivation to move forward at the high school she previously attended. “I felt like my future was dim and I would not be able to graduate. I also felt like I had no other option.” It was at Saito HS where she was able to find the support she needed to excel and find her voice. Her hard work and dedication has earned her admission to Humboldt State University for Fall 2016 and will make her the first in her family to go to college. Latanya will pursue a degree in Business Management with hopes to manage a fashion company of her own. VALENCIA PHI LLIPS | Young Adult Corps VALENCIA PHILLIPS | Young Adult Corps Growing up in the foster care system was not easy for Valencia, who experienced loss and trauma very early in her life. Her grandmother’s passing and her constant relocation from one home to the next ultimately led to her dropping out of school. Finding the LA Conservation Corps was an opportunity that changed her life completely. “After being out of school for awhile, I made the decision to be dedicated and attend school every day until I reached my goal.” Not only did she graduate with straight A’s from Saito High, but she also credits the LA Conservation Corps for helping her find her calling – Environmental and Natural Science. Valencia will begin her Backcountry Trails program with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) this April and plans to attend Orange Coast College to further her education upon her return. MARLENE

GUTIERREZ

|

Alumni

{ SCHO L AR PRO F IL ES } MARLENE GUTIERREZ | Alumni Marlene is no stranger to adversity. Throughout much of her life, she has suffered through physical and verbal abuse and lacked a strong support system. Fortunately, the Corps was able to change that. “The Corps helped me boost my confidence, to not be afraid of hard work, and to do my best.” Her passion and drive has led her to work towards becoming a certified Special Effects Make-up Artist and pursue a degree in Theatre Technology at Pasadena City College. “Because the Corps brought to light many other interests, I plan to keep myself busy through continuous learning and most importantly, to set a good example for my son.” IVANIA | Young|AdultYoung Corps IVANIA LOPEZ LOPEZ Adult Corps After her parents’ divorce, Ivania was forced to live in her mother’s van along with her three siblings, which eventually led her to a shelter that took them all in. This difficult ordeal resulted in her dropping out of school and made getting back on track even more challenging. Regardless of her circumstances, Ivania “never stopped thinking about going to college.” She instead used it as her motivation. “Every time I feel like giving up, I see everything I’ve overcome, the people that have never let me quit—and that pushes me to keep going.” She is beyond grateful for all the opportunities that she has been provided during her time at the LA Conservation Corps and is ready to move on to her next chapter at CSU East Bay in Fall 2016, where she plans to major in Business and Entertainment.

{ S C H O LAR SHIP R EC IP IEN T S} and schools

Kelvin Albritton Cal State Dominguez Hills Alicia Anguiano Cal State Stanislaus Guadalupe Anguiano Vocational Training Felix Avena Cal State Los Angeles Andreyna Aviles Santa Monica College Ariceli Rojas Barcenas Cal State Long Beach Jesus Beltran East Los Angeles College Martrice Black Cal State East Bay Preeti Chamber Cal State University of Northridge Alma Clara Cal State Dominguez Hills Hilda Colato East Los Angeles College Blanca Cordova Cal State Long Beach Irvin Flores Los Angeles Trade Tech College Bryan Guerrero University of California Riverside Andrew Guevara Cal State Channel Islands Marlene Gutierrez Pasadena City College Joaquin Hernandez Santa Monica City College Kenner Hernandez Los Angeles Trade Tech College Timothy Huerta Olympic College Colin Johnson Los Angeles Trade Tech College Ramon Leija College of the Desert Carlos Lopez Cal State Northridge Ivania Lopez Cal State East Bay Abigail Luna Cal State Long Beach Loretta Lupian Santa Monica College Ana Mata Mount Saint Mary’s University Nohel Merino Cal State Northridge Keisha Miles Local 5 Union Apprenticeship Merdice Minifield Los Angeles Trade Tech College Oscar Monge University of Southern California Cindy Orellana Los Angeles Trade Tech College Valencia Phillips Orange Coast College Ivan Ponce Glendale Community College Sandra Ramirez Los Angeles Trade Tech College Javier Rodriguez University of California Los Angeles Latanya Ross Humboldt State University Josue Soto Florida International University Erick Tecuatl Los Angeles Trade Tech College Vanessa Tubbs Los Angeles Trade Tech College Kelly Van Billiard University of California Santa Barbara Adewole Williams Long Beach City College

{ PRO GR AM S PO TLIG H T }

P RO JEC T SP O TLIGHT } { We st Va lley M unicip a l C om p lex

Cl e a n & Gr e e n

T urf R em ov a l Proj ect

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Generous support of Clean & Green from the City of Los Angeles, has allowed young people from low-income neighborhoods to learn professional skills while helping their families by earning a paycheck. By planting trees, cleaning alleys, and beautifying local neighborhoods, they develop an awareness of the impact they have on the world around them, resulting in an increased respect for their social and natural environments.

Last year, LA Councilmember Bob Blumenfield partnered with the LA Conservation Corps on a $200,000 project to convert the lawns around Council District 3’s West Valley Municipal Center and the West Valley Branch Library in Reseda into a lowimpact, low-water use landscape better suited to the natural conditions of the area.

or over 25 years, the Corps’ Clean & Green program has been providing paid training and first jobs to hundreds of middle and high school students during school breaks on community beautification projects across greater Los Angeles.

s we all know, in the face of the historic five-year drought, municipalities are being encouraged by the State to reduce overall water consumption to avoid facing hefty fines.

Clean & Green’s public works projects and maintenance services improve the safety, health and viability of communities throughout the City. Students respond to Council Office requests for clean-ups. They plant trees and disseminate information about important city events and services at fairs and other public events. Working together and with the Corps’ staff, they become environmental leaders as they hone their public speaking skills and interact with diverse residents and business professionals.

Crews of Corpsmembers and technical supervisors landscaped more than 24,500 square feet of turf; installed a new, highly-efficient drip and point irrigation system which allowed for a 70% reduction in water usage; removed concrete walkways and installed a permeable, decomposed granite hardscape; and planted 1,800 drought-tolerant native plants. By replacing the old thirsty turf with a California friendly, low-water landscape the City is saving water, and educating West Valley residents about options available to them at their own homes. School faculty often report that Clean & Green participants demonstrate improved attendance, increased class participation, and model responsible behavior to their peers. Additionally, to ensure that their academic and professional development continues long after their program participation, Clean & Green students – many of whom will be the first members of their family to earn a high school diploma – are offered instruction on preparing for college. In the past nine months, 225 kids in green t-shirts with the City of Los Angeles seal on their sleeves have cleaned over 6,000 streets, abated 500 square feet of graffiti, hauled away over 47,000 bulky items, and collected and properly disposed of over 1 million lbs. of trash and debris. They’ve planted over 2,500 trees and supported dozens of City of LA events.

Of course, not only do projects like this save water and educate residents, they also give young people, like 20-year-old Guadalupe Ruiz, a much needed job. “It’s been really difficult,” Ruiz said of struggling to get by without a regular job before coming to the Corps. “For months, I’ve been looking.” But thanks to the support of Councilman Blumenfield, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Los Angeles Public Library, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Los Angeles Department of General Services, Ruiz and 50 other young adults had the opportunity to transform their lives and enhance their community.

Austin and Virginia Beutner are proud sponsors of

LA CONSERVATION CORP

and the Russell Kantor Scholarship Fund We honor and applaud our dear friend and 2016 Lifetime Achievement Awardee

Mickey Kantor and extend our best wishes to 2016 Lifetime Achievement Awardee

John Van de Kamp

CBRE applauds the LA Conservation Corps on its 30th Anniversary and we support its mission to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged children with opportunities for success.

cbre.com cbre.com

We are remembering Russell today. And we are celebrating all of the young people who have come to the Corps in these past 30 years to do good, hard work and to seek an education.

proudly supports the

As always, we are deeply grateful to our generous friends who make their dreams happen.

Los Angeles Conservation Corps

Mickey and Heidi

on 30 years of service to the community

© Disney

thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship

TO OUR HEROES: Mickey Kantor, who had the extraordinary vision to create the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, the unwavering commitment to nurture it for 30 years, and who with Heidi established the Russell Kantor Scholarship Program that has opened educational doors and job opportunities for thousands of Corpsmembers. John Van de Kamp, a devoted LACC Board member and one of California’s greatest public servants, whose name is synonymous with justice and integrity. LACC staff and graduates, whose resilience and ability to overcome all odds is a constant source of inspiration and pride. With deep admiration and affection, Aileen, Geoff, Gabe, Erica, Mandy, Jonathan, Mikey, and Abie

Congratulations to the LACC team on your 30th anniversary!

BUILDING THE FUTURE FOR 100 YEARS.

We celebrate and appreciate the impact you are making in LA! - Glen Dake, Renee Dake Wilson & Brian Wilson

In less than a century, Boeing took the world from seaplanes to spaceplanes, across the universe and beyond. If you thought that was amazing, just wait. Boeing.com/100

294549_046 Universe LACC_final.indd 1

3/22/2016 9:12:02 AM

{ THE LA CO N S ERVAT IO N

C O R P S T h ro ug h t he Ye a rs

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Good work pays off. With the right focus and drive there are no limits on what you can achieve. FedEx is proud to support individuals and organizations, like LA Conservation Corps, who never fail to give it their all. We applaud your determination and your accomplishments. ©2016 FedEx. All rights reserved.

We salute

We protect public health and the environment

Clean Water Wastewater collection, conveyance, treatment, discharge, and reuse

Solid Resources

Solid resources collection, recycling, conversion, and disposal

Watershed Protection Receiving water pollution prevention

1-800-773-2489 @lacitysan lacitysan.org

Mickey and John, We have the deepest admiration for your thoughtful leadership, caring and commitment over three decades of building the Los Angeles Conservation Corps.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor Julie Waxman & Seth Freeman

Mickey Kantor John Van de Kamp and

LA Conservation Corps for their inspiring commitment to young people in our community

Edye and Eli Broad 

Mickey, We celebrate you! -Shrummie & Oatsie

The Harry & Florence Sloan Foundation wish to congratulate

Mickey Kantor for all his work and tireless dedication to the Los Angeles Conservation Corps.

Together we make a difference. Thank you to the

L.A. Conservation Corps

for 30 years of community service and to Mickey Kantor and John Van de Kamp for a lifetime of commitment.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, llp

manatt.com

Congratulations to this year’s LA Conservation Corps scholars and honorees.

© 2016 Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Shield Association

A48078 (3/16)

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Conservation Corps for 30 years of transforming lives and enhancing communities. Risa and Michael Green

Marvin P. Kropke - Business Manager

IBEW LOCAL #11 CONGRATULATE THE 2016 LA CONSERVATION CORPS SCHOLARS

www.ibew11.org

Represen ng over 11,000 members in Los Angeles County.

Dear Mickey and John, My congratulations to you both for this well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. Your passion and devotion to the Los Angeles Conservation Corps is inspirational. I was very inspired to have been involved with this amazing group of young folks for many years. Warmest regards, Janet Dreisen Rappoport

Congratulations Connie Bruck and Mel Levine

Congratulate Mickey and Heidi

John and Mickey on the 30th anniversary of the LA Conservation Corps

and the Corps on 30 Great Years of Success!

A Marvelous Tribute to Russell.

Your early and unwavering commitment lights the way for us to follow. Molly Munger and Stephen English

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Conservation Corps on the 30th Anniversary of your Annual Spring Luncheon

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We join you in honoring the

Investing in our future begins with our youth.

2016 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Mickey Kantor Founder

John Van de Kamp Founding Board Member

LADWP offers several water and energy conservation programs and rebates to help customers become more sustainable and save money. For more information, visit www.LADWP.com

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With our innovative products and solutions for rail-bound transportation and road traffic management, efficient building technology, security, smart grids and power distribution, we can help reap the full potential of urban infrastructure.

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Lockton is proud to join Teresa Cisneros Burton in supporting LA Conservation Corps, an organization that heals our community and Risk Management Risk Control Surety Bonding transforms the lives of thousands of at-risk youth.

Mergers & Aquisitions

Employee Benefits

John,

Congratulations on this magnificent honor.

Thank you for your friendship and the leadership and vision you have brought to our city and our state. With love and admiration, Jill and Tom Barad

To the LA Conservation Corps Executive Management Team, I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude for all of your hard work this year! Your efforts are greatly appreciated each and every day. All the best to you, Wendy

QUEENSCARE IS HAPPY TO SUPPORT LA CONSERVATIONS CORPS AND CONGRATULATES TODAY’S HONOREES! Our Mission As a faith-based organization, QueensCare strives to provide, directly and with others, accessible healthcare for uninsured and low-income individuals and families residing in Los Angeles County.

950 S. Grand Ave., 2nd Floor South Los Angeles, CA 90015 QueesnCare.org • 323.669.4301

CONGRATULATIONS JOHN VAN de KAMP

We celebrate your vision, leadership and friendship! Reva & Bill Tooley

Congratulations Dad (and GrandDad) on a Lifetime of Achievement!

Leslie, Doug, Alison, Ryan, Zack and Jackson

{ PA R TNER S PO TLIG H T }

{ PA R TN ER SP O TLIGHT }

United States Forest Service

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he LA Conservation Corps was founded on the model of the New Deal era Civilian Conservation Corps that put unemployed young men to work in the great outdoors building national parks, clearing trails, planting trees, and rehabilitating devastated agricultural land. Even from the heart of one of the country’s largest cities, the LA Conservation Corps lives up to the ideal of connecting young people to the great outdoors especially through our decades-long partnership with the U.S. Forest Service on various trail maintenance and habitat restoration projects.

In 2009, this partnership deepened and expanded when funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enabled the Corps to begin providing provide trail maintenance throughout the Angeles National Forest. With support from the U.S. Forest Service and new partners like the National Forest Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Corps was able to step in and help with the extensive restoration and maintenance work needed after the devastating Station Fire which severely damaged the Big Tujunga & Little Tujunga watersheds. The strong working relationships between Corps staff and U.S. Forest Service officials have led to new partnerships and projects with the Angeles National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, and San Bernardino National Forest. In 2013, the Corps was awarded a contract from the Angeles National Forest to perform trail maintenance on the historic Gabrielino Trail, along with an all-purpose bridge construction project. Corpsmembers converted a burnt out vehicle into a bridge that is used by hikers, mountain bike riders, and horses. They also constructed bridge approaches, worked on the West Fork Trail Head, and renovated the Monte Cristo Campground. From removing invasive species, to demolishing illegal dams, to re-constructing trails and campsites, these intensive projects serve thousands of visitors to our national forests every year. For many of our Corpsmembers, work on one of these crews is the first time they have ever climbed a mountain trail or set foot in a national park. These are life changing experiences for which the Corps is incredibly grateful.

Noribachi Corporation

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he goal that each Corpsmember is striving for at the end of their Green Career Pathway is a job. The Corps is working hard to build up a roster of forward thinking agencies and companies who see the value of investing in our next generation, and are willing to step up as bridge employers for graduating Corpsmembers.

One of our inaugural partners in this effort is the Noribachi Corporation based in Harbor City. Noribachi is a leading US-based, premier LED lighting manufacturer for high-output commercial and industrial applications. And now they are a great friend of the Corps. Company co-founder Rhonda Dibachi has joined our Green Career Advisory Board and has given a good deal of time to meeting with Corps staff to design entry-level job opportunities for Corpsmembers. And while there have been stops and starts, as there are in any new venture, these groundbreaking entrepreneurs have embraced the Corps’ goals and stuck with us. Last month, Noribachi was one of the featured employers at our spring Corpsmember Career Fair. As more Corpsmembers travel down our Energy Green Career Pathway we hope to see even more alumni joining the Noribachi ranks. Rhonda Dibachi says, “Noribachi is excited about partnering with LACC. For us, it allows us to access a pool of motivated people who are enthusiastic about their future and want to succeed. We are fortunate to be able to tap into that resource pool!” The Corps is incredibly grateful to everyone at Noribachi for the time and resources they have seen fit to share with us and our Corpsmembers. We cannot ask for a better partner for the Corps or the young adults we serve. Thank you!

{ SPEC I AL THAN K S }

A PAR T O F } { BtheE Corps family

We are deeply grateful to our Luncheon Co-Chairs Samantha Martinez, Heidi Schulman, Ann Hollister, and Teresa Cisneros Burton for your tremendous efforts in making this day such a phenomenal success.

Welcome to the Corps Family!

The LA Conservation Corps would also like to thank our exceptional staff and friends whose generosity and dedication have made this day possible:

We are sure you will agree with us that Elizabeth is already someone very important. She is certainly very important to us, and we hope that she and all of her fellow Corpsmembers will continue to be an important part of your life as well.

Roxana Aguilar, Erica Blodgett, Dore Burry, Wendy Butts, Jose Cabrera, Carlos Campero, Pablo Cardoso, Amber Chapman, Akaia Dizadare, Kea Duggan, Ricie Frazier, Zenobia Gaither, Victor Gonzalez, Chloe Hannah, Denise Haynes, Tiffany Herd, Christy Hodson, Jorelle Javier, Gaby Jimenez, Justin Lee, Tiffany Leung, Alex Lopez, Diane Luong, Maria Madrigal, Ingrid Marroquin, Yasmin Mero-Corona, Misbran Moradel, Elisa Nethercott, Ngoc Nguyen, Trina Nguyen, Leslie Ortiz, Stephanie Perez, Deanna Porras, Terry Preciado, Michael Premsrirat, Karla Ramos, Bo Savage, Robert Skillman, Larry Smith, Viet Tran, Lori Umana, Da’Lana Walker, Adewole Williams, Dawn Williams, Lloyd Wright, Nick Yamauchi, Sara Zambrano, 6 Degrees Deep, AAA Rents, Adam Wright Design, A.Y. Nursery, BannerWorld.com, Homeboys Silk Screen, LA County Board of Supervisors, Brian Langston, Mike Mena, The Music Center, Nonstop Printing, Patina Catering, Photography by Hamilton, Emile Poree, and Tricia Riffenburgh.

“In the LA Conservation Corps I have the opportunity to start a new chapter and become someone important in life.” – Corpsmember Elizabeth

At a recent staff meeting, another young woman shared her story of how she came to the Corps and how she feels like she is finding her place and a path forward for herself. She said that in just a few months she already felt like she had found a family. You are a member of her family. You are a part of that new chapter in Elizabeth’s life. By supporting the Corps, you are supporting both of these young women and so many more like them.

A heartfelt thank you to all the members of our dedicated staff for everything they do on a daily basis to transform young lives. You are an inspiration! To keep connected with your Corps family follow us on social media. To show your continued support for your Corpsmembers visit www.lacorps.org/donate to make a gift.

PROGRAM DESIGNED BY: ADAM WRIGHT DESIGN

Thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do for them!

{ WELC O ME } www.lacorps.org

LA CONSERVATION CORPS

{ Mission Statement } The LA Conservation Corps’ primary mission is to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success through job skills training, education and work experience with an emphasis on conservation and service projects that benefit the community.