PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Senior Programs

The YWCA pursues its mission of eliminating racism and promoting empowerment daily through vital Senior Programs.

"As the senior participants come to classes, they interact with people from different cultures, races, and religions. They learn to be together without conflict," states Zohreh Pedram, YWCA West LA Program Specialist, Life Planning and Work. "I've worked very hard to show all the seniors who come here that we as people are all the same. For older people it can be very hard to change and even harder to let go of prejudice. But here we learn to do just that. I have worked as a peacemaker in this community for over 17 years. I am proud to say that we have created a safe, non-judging environment for people of different backgrounds - they become friends and learn from each other."

YWCA GLA asked the community we serve, as well as staff and volunteers what they are thankful for this Holiday Season. The following are their responses.

Job Corps Culinary Arts Student, Age 18
I'm very thankful for myself accomplishing many goals and waking up every morning around people who care about me.

Job Corps Culinary Arts Student, Age 22
This time of year is so special because I am no longer homeless or hungry. LAJC gave me a safe place to live, eat and study. I have met so many nice people here who really care for me and my future. I am thankful for the YWCA and LAJC for all they do for the students, their kids and families. Happy Holidays

Job Corps Childcare Student, Age 21
Having gratitude is important to me because it allows you to appreciate life more. It brings happiness and thankfulness and creates a healthy outlook on life. I am thankful for family and Job Corps for giving me a second chance with my education.

Job Corps Home Builders Institute Student, Age 20
I am thankful for being able to take my GED test this month. I have been studying really hard to pass this test. I am also thankful to the YWCA of GLA and Los Angeles Job Corps for this wonderful program, meeting new friends and the beautiful new building. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Job Corps Certified Nursing Assistant Student, Age 18
I have so much to be thankful for because I have my life, health and family. I am thankful that my grandmother is still alive. She has diabetes, recently had a heart attack, got hit by a car and is still able to walk around. I am grateful that my mother is off of drugs and now able to care for my little brother who is 12 years old. I am also thankful for being in the Job Corps program because I did not have money to attend college. This program is really great and I am thankful for all the staff and new friends I have met.

Job Corps Office Administration Student, Age 19
I am thankful for my parents and all they have done for me in trying to help me succeed. Being here at Los Angeles Job Cops gives me a safe place to live and study so I can become successful in my life. Job Corps has taught me to never give up on my dreams.

Job Corps Child Care Student, Age 21
I am so thankful for family, friends and Los Angeles Job Corps. The education here is so nice and free! I didn't know how my family was going to pay for me to go to college after I finished high school and a friend told me about Job Corps. This program really works for those who need and want the help. Thank you YWCA and Job Corps for the help.

Job Corps Transportation Communication Union Student, Age 21
I am thankful for going to school around people who want to learn and are not in class only because their parents said you had to go to school. Los Angeles Job Corps has really good teachers that help you learn and want to see you do well. I am also thankful for family and friends and being able to help others when I can in community service.

Job Corps Transportation Communication Union Student, Age 22
I am so grateful to Los Angles Job Corps for giving me a place to live and food to eat when I needed it most. I have met really good friends here and look forward to moving into a new room in the new Urban Campus. Thank you YWCA for believing in us and for everything you do for the students at LAJC.

Job Corps Culinary Arts Student, Age 20
I am thankful for the opportunity to better my future because of Job Corps and for allowing me to go to school and study what I dream of - Culinary Arts. One day you will see me working in a famous restaurant all because you all gave me chance to follow my dreams.

YWCA GLA Staff
I'm thankful this season because the YWCA has given me an opportunity to work with so many great youth participants. They always put a smile on my face, make me laugh and continue to amaze me.

Girls Club Participant
I'm so thankful this season because Ms. Washington is going to buy us tickets for Knott's Berry Farm and that Ms. Morales might stay. I have never been and have only wished to go to Knott's Berry Farm. I know I will love it!

Youth Program Participant
I'm thankful this season because the YWCA gave me the opportunity to work on my behavior. Also I learned to be kind to my peers.

Youth and Girls Club Participant
I am most thankful that we all know each other and respect each other.

Youth Program Participant
I am thankful for having a house, a family, and for being able to be part of the YWCA. I really want to say thank you for giving me a chance to come and use the computers. I use the internet for homework.

Youth Program Participant
This season I am thankful for having a loving and caring family, which is always there to comfort me in times of need. I am also thankful for my friends that help me and give me advice. I'm thankful for my mother that works hard to be able to feed me because I do eat a lot: I am thankful for caring teachers, and organizations like the YWCA that help me improve in school. As a result, I am mostly grateful to have a lot of friends and family that take care of me.

YWCA Staff - Compton
I am thankful this season for a job to go to, especially the YWCA-COC. I am also thankful that I can help to be a blessing to the families and community. Every day is a day of "Thanksgiving."

YWCA Parent After School Programs
I am thankful this season for all the people that help the moms with educating our children.

Sexual Assault Crisis Services Staff
I am thankful this season for having a job at the YWCA GLA with amazing co-workers and for many blessings in my life. I'm thankful for every single moment that enlightens my life.

Sexual Assault Crisis Services Participant
I am thankful this holiday season because during all of this year I have been provided with a space at the YWCA for me and my healing and also for my family.

Sexual Assault Crisis Services Participant
I give thanks this year for having better communication with my children, more support from my husband and all the support I get from the YWCA GLA SACS program and staff and also for my friends.

Sexual Assault Crisis Services Staff
I am thankful this season for being back on board with the YWCA GLA Sexual Assault Crisis Services, where I am part of a team that brings healing, peace and wholeness to survivors of sexual abuse. It is a rewarding place to be. I am truly thankful!

YWCA Parent After School Programs
I'm thankful for having all of my family together; For having good health and a job. I give thanks to the YWCA for giving me the opportunity to work, grow as a professional and learn new things every time new information comes up so we can give the best to our children.

YWCA Infant Learning Center Participant
I'm thankful for the YWCA program because they are able to support me by taking care of my child while I'm in school trying to reach my goals.

YWCA Infant Learning Center Participant
I am thankful for this season because of the YWCA center. I'm able to finish my school and I'm very thankful for the teachers in the YWCA Center for attending and taking care of my child during my school hours.

Community Clothes Closet

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our donors, Union Bank and NAWBO-LA, we opened up a "Clothes Closet" at our Empowerment Centers for the families of our participants in April. As reported in the March newsletter story "Outfitted for Success", these two partners showed their support for the YWCA by donating clothes for the Job Corps students. After students picked out interview outfits and other necessary clothing, there was still a surplus of clothes. This surplus became a "Clothes Closet" and families were given the opportunity to shop and take whatever items they needed. Items included all sizes and types of clothing... even shoes!

Thank you again to Union Bank and NAWBO-LA for helping in such a practical and special way!

YWCA GLA UPEC Girls Club

Toward the end of 2010, the YWCA GLA UPEC Girls Club created a Poetry Café focused on issues of violence against women. Each young lady researched poems dealing with various issues of women and violence. Leading up to the event, the girls participated in workshops learning about violence toward women and alternatives to violence. 

“The girls truly enjoyed this activity - they transformed the ‘Girl’s Corner’ at UPEC by adding colored lights, a stage area, and posters,” explained Maria Elena Chavez. “There was also a focus on celebration - as we were becoming more aware and enlightened, we believe these young ladies will have a better chance of avoiding dangerous situations.”

The relaxed, organic environment of the event allowed the participants to express themselves and learn from each other. Several girls attended a Self Defense class offered by the YWCA the following day. 

“We need to know how to react and defend ourselves if something were to happen to us,” shared Esther Flores, 7^th grade YW Girls Club member. “I really enjoy Girls Club because it is a good resource - and I get to see my friends and make new friends.”

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