YWCA Senior Services - West LA

The YWCA Senior Services at the Felicia Mahood Center in West LA was highlighted in the latest newsletter. Meet some of the seniors who participate at the center and hear their stories. Enjoy!

"I try to give five hours a week to God by making blankets for sick children and people in wheelchairs," explains Aazam Borhani. "I moved to Los Angeles from Iran over 26 years ago. I enjoy coming to the YW Senior Services to be involved in activities and projects that help others." No stranger to helping others, Aazam worked in Iran with children who were diagnosed with cancer by reading to them and painting for them.

"I've been knitting most of my life," shares Sylvia Gremson. "My mother taught me to knit to keep me quiet I think. Every Thursday, I come to the YWCA to knit and sew. We make hats, booties, and other baby items for needy families and sick children." Sylvia moved from London to Los Angeles in 1980.

Although her own mobility is limited by the necessity of a walker, Fatemeh Charoshi finds great joy in volunteering at the YW Senior Services Center. She comes every Monday and Thursday to serve tea to the ESL class. While she's serving, she is sure to listen and even participate in the class so she too can learn to speak and read English.

Akram and Hossein Kashani enjoy visiting with friends and participating in the various activities at the YW Senior Services. This happy brother/sister duo split their time between Iran and the United States staying with different family members. With a strong family background focused on education, both of them have achieved much in their lives. Akram taught French and English at the university level in Iran while Hossein has much experience in the medical field and holds a Masters in Sociology. They appreciate having a place like the YW where they can enjoy friendship, good food, and some laughter.

Nutritious meals are served daily at an affordable rate at the YW Senior Services. Healthy, affordable, delicious - AND served with a smile!!

LA Student to Give Speech In Front of Obama Administration Officials

Local Student is Finalist for National Job Corps Oratory Competition

Mae`la Way, a student at the Los Angeles Job Corps Center, this week learned that she had earned a trip to Washington, D.C. as one of four finalists in the National Job Corps Student Oratory Competition. The second annual competition challenged Job Corps students to answer the question: How has Job Corps impacted your life?

Mae`la’s speech highlights the challenges of growing up homeless, the feeling of time slipping away, and the need to complete a high school education in order to succeed.

“Tick tock. Every 29 seconds, a student gives up on high school,” she begins her speech.

“Tick tock. Day in, day out, for the past two years of my life I’ve worked at a bakery from nine to five and the movies from 5:30 until 12:30. On the many walks home, I meditate on my life as the cool winds of the winter slap me on my face. I’m reminded of my life and its slow, slow pace.”

“Being homeless for the majority of my high school career was not how I imagined my life. I had dreams of musical theater and living in New York City; however, my reality would soon be working two dead end jobs, with no room for promotion, to support myself and my family. That is something I would not accept.”

Since entering Job Corps, Mae`la has gotten back on track to completing her education and through training provided by the Transportation Communication International Union program at LAJCC she is preparing for a career as a flight attendant.

“I can say with confidence that my life began the first day of [Job Corps]. Being introduced to teachers who are genuine and not frustrated when I am confused, I no longer hide behind the student in front of me, embarrassed or ashamed that I don’t know the answers to a math question.”

“I’ve gained confidence when it comes to my education, something I couldn’t see.”

The finalists were selected by judges representing the administration, Congress, and the National Job Corps Association for their eloquence and passion in sharing their stories, as well as the content and structure of their speeches. Job Corps students videotaped their five-minute speeches before a live audience at their Job Corps center.

"Mae`la is a perfect example of what our youth can accomplish when given an opportunity,” said LAJCC Center Director Jackie Honore. “She was always a driven person but Job Corps has given her the focus and direction to propel her forward. Her excitement is contagious and we look forward to her winning the competition in Washington.”

The competition finals will be held on November 19th, 2010 at 3 p.m. in the Great Hall of the U.S. Department of Labor. Along with three other Job Corps finalists from around the country, Mae`la will present her speech before Department of Labor officials and other officials from President Obama's administration. Following their speeches, the finalists will be asked to respond to a questions posed by the panel of judges and their response will be factored into their overall score.

Mae`la’s video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dZ0TSuz5Js.

Meet Desiree...

I don’t even recognize my own face in the mirror. Bloody, bruised, broken. I can’t even imagine how I got here – hiding in my own house. Locked in the bathroom. Afraid of what he’ll do next if I make a move. Any move. Doesn’t seem to matter. Everything makes him angry these days. Everything makes him lash out. I feel like a scared animal backed into the corner – just trying to survive. Today was the worst it’s been. He messed me up and forced me to do things that make me sick to even think about. Closing my eyes I can see his face - red, sweat dripping, crazed eyes peering at me. Disgusted, angry and hateful. I don’t know why he started hating me. I’ve thought of fighting back – of hurting him like he hurts me. But when it happens, I just can’t think of anything – I just try to keep it from getting any worse than it already is. I know this is not him – he lost his job. He feels depressed and worthless. He really does love me. He doesn’t mean to hurt me. It just happens. He will say sorry – he will feel bad for making me hurt like this. I just don’t know how many more times I can pretend like this didn’t happen – pretend like everything is fine. I hate myself for not having the courage to just leave but I keep thinking it will get better. He’ll get a job and everything will be fine. But I wonder if I will ever be the same again. Will I ever look at him without being afraid of what he might do…

Des

To Job Corps...

The following is a letter from a Job Corps Student.

I want to take this moment to once again thank the Job Corps staff starting with Ms. Honore for all her positive and encouraging words. You are a very busy woman and you still stop and take the time to listen and help students, I don’t know that I could find that anywhere but Job Corps. I want to thank Mr. Rice for providing discipline and a safe environment for me and all the students. He sets a positive look and structure to keep students off the street and learn a trade without worrying that there is danger. I want to thank Mrs. Rosser for letting me borrow her great books. I learned a lot from creative writing, to think like a GIANT, to avoid negativity in life, and to never give up. I also want to thank Ms. Faye Washington from the YWCA. Although we only met once, I want to thank her because I know she's out there every day keeping Job Corps funded and on business. I’m sure it can be hard to go out there and sell the organization, so I want to thank her, and the investors who invest in the program. I will never forget her speech on "Changing the Game.” Sometimes when things don't go right you have to change - in my case I had to change my attitude, my way of thinking, my way of dressing, and my way of speaking, in order for me to get a better job and blend in with the right people who can help me in my career.

Now that I said all my thanks, I want to share what Job Corps means to me. Job Corps was like a mother to me and I'll explain why - a mother feeds, clothes, disciplines, and educates her children to be successful in life. That's what Job Corps did. I was fed three great meals a day, I was given free clothes, when I was sick the health center was there to take care of me, when I did wrong, I was given a warning - but it all built responsibility. All of this reminded me of what my mother used to do when I was little and for that I'm so appreciative.
Now that I have finished my trade and moved on, I'm currently working as a Bellman at the Viceroy Hotel. I'm doing great there, always on time and looking sharp. All the tools I learned at Job Corps I apply at work such as proper business etiquette, computer literacy, dress for success, Math, and English. Without these tools, I wouldn’t be very effective or successful at work. It's because of Job Corps, and most of all the staff who help students succeed, no matter the circumstances, whether an ex gang member, whether fired from a previous job, whether they dropped out of school, or if a single parent. Dreams can happen, and they do, that's why Job Corps’ motto is my favorite. When I get praise at work for a good job well done, or when a promotion happens - I won’t forget it all starts with DREAM IT, OWN IT, and BUILD IT - that's all you have to do. Keep pushing forward. My favorite quote from the best fighter of all time, Muhammad Ali, is "Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill", and I leave it at that. Thank You JOB CORPS, I am now on a new, better journey because of you.
Sincerely,
Scotty E. LLoja

Ana Garcia - May 25, 2010

May 25, 2010
The YWCA called me back about Isabel getting into preschool… there is an OPEN SPOT!! She can start in the fall! I got to see the inside of the building. I couldn’t help it but I cried when I saw the learning stations, all the books, the colorful artwork on the walls. What an amazing place! I never dreamed I could send my kids to a place like this. They even said they have a spot open for Diego – he’s one now.

Maybe if both kids are in a place like this, I can get a good job. When we were leaving the building I saw a flyer about a computer lab offered to anyone to help with job skills. I don’t want to get too excited but all I can keep thinking about is what a better job would mean to my family. Maybe this year will be better than last year.
-Ana

Ana Garcia - April 17, 2010

April 17, 2010
This year has been so hard. Just when something seems like it’s going to work out – it doesn’t. There are so many things to worry about – Abuelita’s health, the kids, my jobs, and money! I’m grateful for the job I got but it seems like no matter how hard I work , we’re in the same spot with our money. And if I miss one more day because my childcare backs out, I’m not sure they’ll let me keep my job. Even though it’s not perfect, it was hard to get – I don’t want to lose it – I can’t!

Yesterday was Isabel’s birthday. I can’t believe she is three already. She and her brother make life so much better – I just want to give them what they need and deserve. I called the Union Pacific center that the YW runs. I hear there are a few spots open in their preschool. I just hope we can make it.
-Ana

Ana Garcia - March 7, 2010

March 7, 2010
I just got a call for a second interview. The job doesn’t pay very much but at least it’s a job. No matter how much I search, there doesn’t seem to be anything else out there. Right now, I just need to pay my bills. Abuelita has already given her little savings to help. If only I had my GED and a degree or something, maybe I could go after better jobs. I hate having to ride the bus to even get to work. I am a hard worker and a fast learner – I just wish something would work out. Diego is crawling already. I can’t believe he’s growing so fast. And his big sister – she is such a smart girl! She can already count to ten. I work with her every day on letters. I really want her to go to preschool. I don’t know how I can afford it. When I do start this job, assuming I get it, I’ll need to find somewhere for Diego and Isabel to go. Abue’s friend down the street said that the new building on Union Pacific street has a preschool in it. She said it’s run by the YWCA. She even said they help families who can’t pay a lot. The building is SO beautiful. i see the playground when I walk by. If we could get the kids in there...... wow. I get excited even thinking about it. Is it possible? It would be a life-saver. I plan on calling them tomorrow to get more information. Yeah!!!

Hopeful… Ana

Ana Garcia - February 2, 2010

February 2, 2010
Today was another rough day. I had to cancel my interview because the neighbor backed out of watching the kids. It was hard enough to get an interview since there are few jobs. This was the only response I’ve gotten in months. There aren’t a lot of jobs out there let alone for someone without a diploma. The baby needed diapers today, but we are on our last bit of cash. Precious abuelita tries to help but her hip is not in good enough shape to run after a toddler. She needs surgery. I wish I could take care of her. I love my family – I am blessed to have two healthy kids but I just don’t know how we are going to make it. Everything has been a vicious cycle. I didn’t finish high school so I could work to take care of abue’- now I don’t have a job to afford any training. I know if I could work on my office skills - I could do something - anything. I want to take care of my family - I am willing to work hard. Rent is due in four days and we need groceries. I just don’t know where to turn.
-Ana