This funding will support community-driven programs and projects designed to address key issues, including education, civic engagement, environmental justice, healthcare, housing and economic development
BELL GARDENS, Calif. - March 6, 2024 - PRLog -- The Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative has allocated $358,000 in grant funding to ten exceptional organizations within the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Region. This initiative, made possible through the generous support of the California Community Foundation (CCF), aims to bolster community-driven programs and projects as part of the Regional Recovery Hub Initiative.
Through the SELA Collaborative, CCF's grant will help tackle key issues affecting community members in the SELA Region, one of the six regional recovery hubs across Los Angeles County. Grant funding was strategically designed to identify and support collaborative initiatives, in addition to organizations' capacity, that contribute to the advancement of the SELA Agenda (SELA Agenda).
"This grantmaking initiative is a testament to the collective effort to build a more resilient and empowered SELA Region and it truly speaks to the leadership and role of philanthropic partners, like the California Community Foundation, in paving the way for of what it means to support community-driven solutions," said Dr. Wilma Franco, Executive Director of the SELA Collaborative.
SELA Collaborative is a network of organizations working together to strengthen the capacity of the nonprofit sector and increase civic engagement in Southeast LA. Founded in 2011 by twelve core organizations, the SELA Collaborative seeks to revitalize the communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Florence-Firestone, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, South Gate, Vernon and Walnut Park.
The collaboration with the California Community Foundation underscores a commitment to promoting projects falling within three pivotal policy-led Action Groups, identified by the SELA Collaborative and informed by The SELA Agenda:
- Education and Civic Engagement
- Environmental Justice and Healthcare
- Housing and Economic Development
In response to the grant announcement, Emma Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer at Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC), expressed enthusiasm for the initiative's potential impact, stating, "Receiving the grant from the regional recovery hub initiative will empower SCDC to offer parents and adults valuable learning opportunities. These programs will enhance their skills in supporting both their students and families, fostering a supportive community where individuals can mutually assist one another." SCDC's receipt of this grant underscores their dedication to driving positive change and promoting community well-being. Through collaborative efforts and data-driven solutions, SCDC continues to play a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for the SELA region.
Additionally, in the process of identifying grantees three organizations were identified for a capacity building award to enhance and strengthen their capacity to secure financial resources in the future and maximize their positive impact across SELA. These organizations include: Chickxs Rockerxs, Florence-Firestone Community Organization, and Avance Latino.
Steve Quinonez, Board President of Florence-Firestone Community Organization (FFCO) says, "Through the generous support from Regional Recovery Hub Initiative, the Florence-Firestone Community Organization look forward to continuing to provide a safe haven, quality outdoor space for our Domestic Violence Group and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention attendees. These communal gatherings not only provide a space for enjoyment but also cultivates a sense of empowerment. We are thankful for this grant that will help us build our organizational capacity."
This initiative uplifts the power of the SELA Leaders Network created by the Collaborative to drive regional systemic change across the SELA Community. By investing in these ten organizations and their projects, the SELA Collaborative and CCF aim to grow its impact in working towards building the capacity of the SELA Nonprofits while advancing Civic Engagement across the SELA Region.
"Community-based organizations continue to play the roles of safety net intermediaries, and advocates on behalf of vulnerable communities," said California Community Foundation President and CEO Miguel Santana. "COVID–19 ravaged the nonprofit sector, destabilizing this critical ecosystem, laying bare decades of disinvestment. This ecosystem of local service and advocacy nonprofits in the most vulnerable Los Angeles communities provides the support necessary to address the structural inequities made evident during the pandemic and strengthen regional recovery efforts. CCF remains committed to supporting organizations advancing systems change through community investments that uplift community-driven solutions."
Driven by a shared vision of prosperity and equity, The SELA Collaborative recognizes the power of our unified voice in effecting meaningful change.
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About California Community Foundation (CCF)
The California Community Foundation is an organization that leads positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF envisions a future where all Angelenos have the opportunity to contribute to the productivity, health, and well-being of our region. And they believe that our common fate will be determined by how successfully we improve the quality of life for all of our residents. The impact we help create is of, by and for Los Angeles, because the community is our foundation. For more information, visit https://www.calfund.org/
About the SELA Collaborative
The Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative is a network of organizations working together to strengthen the capacity of the nonprofit sector and civic engagement in Southeast LA. Founded in 2011 by twelve core organizations, the SELA Collaborative seeks to revitalize the communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Florence-Firestone, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, South Gate, Vernon, and Walnut Park. Through its partners, SELA Collaborative works to strengthen the SELA community, build, collective power, and encourage innovation to drive regional systemic change. For more information, please visit www.SELACollab.org
For more information about SCDC please visit https://www.scdcorp.org/ or contact emma.hernandez@scdcorp.org.
For more information about FFCO please visit https://ffcola.org/ or contact carlitosauto@yahoo.com
Contact:
Sandra Nunez, Communications Coordinator
Cell: (626) 709-0197
Email: selacollabcomms@gmail.com
Contact
Sandra Nunez-Communications Coordinator
***@gmail.com
Source: SELA Collaborative
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