A Community Health, Education, and Recreation Resource of California Hospital Medical Center

February 2018

HOPE STREET ANNUAL FUNDRAISER EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

The theme “Celebrating Strength of Character” brought together over 300 generous supporters for the 4th annual Circle of Hope Champions for Children Luncheon benefiting Hope Street Margolis Family Center. Held at the downtown Los Angeles Jonathan Club on February 1st, the event raised over $370,000 for education and wellness programs supporting over 5,000 low-income children and families living in downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding communities.

Matthew Katz, CEO and Founder of Verifi, Inc., and UCLA BruinCorps leadership; Dr. Debra Pounds, Director, and Dr. Justyn Patterson, Assistant Director, were this year’s Champions for Children honorees. Mr. Katz was recognized for his 10+ years supporting Hope Street’s youth and family activities including funding the meals for students enrolled in Hope Street’s after-school and summer programs. The UCLA BruinCorps was recognized for nearly 20 years of service to Hope Street provided by its members, many of whom are first generation college students themselves, who serve as tutors and mentors to students inspiring them to see that college is attainable.

Event Co-Chairs, Eloise Appel and Linda Ellman, produced an enlightening program reflective of Hope Street’s impact. A video created by Hope Street students depicted their challenges and also mirrored the positive affect Hope Street has on their lives. Hope Street’s Founding Director, Vickie Kropenske, shared the story of Amelia whose oldest son, José, is soon to graduate from UCLA and plans to be an attorney. Vickie shared the background of Amelia’s life – although she and her husband work long hours as garment factory workers, their income is still below the poverty level. Vickie shared a recent conversation she had with Amelia who told her, “I am thankful to Hope Street. All of my children will go to college. All of my children will be educated—and I—I will be the last one who will sew.”

Hope Street wishes to give special thanks to our sponsors, donors and all who attended and supported the luncheon as well as those individuals and companies who provided exceptional auction and raffle items contributing to the overall phenomenal success of the event.

The luncheon was a huge success thanks to the efforts of Hope Street Fund Development Committee members .  L-R: top: Shianne Hollander, Susan Berk, Kim Krug, Marike Smith, Ramona Quinn, Penny Orloff, Lilith Borko, Sandy Warde White, Sarah Vogel  2nd row: Committee Chair, Richard Oxford, Event Co-chair Eloise Appel, Event Co-chair Linda Ellman,  Jeanne Raya (not shown: Kelly Jones, MD, Hannah Kirschner, Suzan Vida Konell, Esq., Michelle Lainez, David Marquez, John Opgenorth, Sharon Shelton, Raúl Vargas,Fernando Villa)

HOLIDAY HOPE AND JOY

For many Hope Street families, the holidays can be a time when life’s challenges are magnified but thanks to the generosity of several organizations, joy was abundant as families received gifts and shared hugs of gratitude with representatives from Dentons, NBCUniversal/ Access Hollywood, Eagle Rock Elementary School, Aetna and Hermosa Cyclery.

Parents enjoy a festive potluck holiday lunch reflecting Hope Street's mission of strengthening families and transforming the community	Volunteers from Dentons filled with holiday cheer after distributing gifts to Hope Street families
	Wishes of parents in the Family Literacy program were granted thanks to the generosity of company gift drives and individual donors

YELP STUDENTS GIVE
PROGRAM AN A+

Hope Street’s Youth Education Leadership Program (YELP) students recently assessed how they’ve grown through the first six months of their participation in this unique experience. Open to students in Junior High and High School, YELP requires students to maintain a strong GPA while attending special workshops and serving as mentors for younger Hope Street students.

Program Facilitator and Youth Center Education Coordinator, Gina Avila, described the program saying, “YELP gives students responsibility combined with a level of independence to discover their strengths.” While YELP student response has been overwhelmingly positive, students have also admitted it’s not all that easy with comments like, “I’ve learned what it’s like having a job and the need to be patient and punctual.” Another student’s honest feedback declared, “Working with little kids can be challenging at times.”

Students shared what they appreciate most about being involved in YELP with comments such as, “I like coming to help—it’s a form of relaxation.” “After a hard day of school, it’s nice to see the children again since I have grown a bond with them.” Hope Street’s Early Childhood Education teachers have also provided feedback saying how helpful YELP students are in the classroom and how the younger children identify with certain students and have long conversations with them—as confirmed by one student who wrote, “I love answering the children’s questions.”

The evaluations revealed how YELP students share their different strengths—some through athletics and outdoor play, while others say they enjoy talking and getting to know the children and being there for their emotional needs. Perhaps the best comment that summed up all the students input stated, “Everyone is learning from each other.”

Denise, a 9th grader in the YELP program, mentors little ones during Early Childhood Education circle-time

DONOR PROFILE: ONEWEST BANK

ONEWEST BANK GRANT FUNDS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
OneWest Bank recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Hope Street Margolis Family Center’s after-school program that provides academic support and recreational activities linked to critical health, mental health and family support services. Providing a safe haven that strengthens families and reinforces positive behaviors, Hope Street offers youth from low-income families the resources that can help them to succeed in school and beyond. “OneWest Bank is proud to support Hope Street in their efforts to help develop young people into future community leaders,” said Byron Reed, Senior Vice President of Community Development for OneWest Bank.

 
100% of donations go to support Hope Street's programs 
that serve children and families in downtown Los Angeles

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