PROGRAM FOCUS: Los Angeles Job Corps

DID YOU KNOW?  

The Los Angeles Job Corps, operated by the YWCA Greater Los Angeles, provides a multitude of training opportunities with key onsite training offerings including: Health Occupation Trade, LVN & CNA; Office Administration Program, HBI (Home Builders’ Institute) and TCU (Transportation Communication Union)

Childhood Sexual Assault Survivor Pastor Robert Hendricks

As an adult survivor of childhood sexual assault, Pastor Robert Hendricks has chosen to turn a horrific experience into helping others. He and his wife, Colleen, completed the YWCA Sexual Assault Crisis Services Volunteer Training in 2010.

“I wanted to learn as much as possible about survivorship and to help others who have been sexually assaulted,” Robert shared. “During the male survivor section of the training, I share my story. This process has been very beneficial for me.”

Telling his story empowers Robert’s own healing as well as the healing of others. He chooses to turn an event that could be a crutch into a stepping stone. During Robert’s work with YWCA SACS, he has had the opportunity to attend “Speak Out” events at Cal State University, Long Beach, where he attended college in the 1980s.

“Being on the Cal State campus again reminded me that years ago I wasn’t ready to share my story; but here I was, standing in front of these students, empowered to share. It helped me realize just how far I have come, how much healing I have experienced and it empowered me as a survivor, not a victim.”

Sharing one’s story is important to regain control over the past. For Robert, there were a number of years after the assault that his perpetrator still had control over him in his mind. He came to a point where he no longer wanted him to have that control.

“I would encourage survivors to accept that timing is critical. Only you control when you share your story - don’t share it before it is time. Remember, assault is an imbalance of power and you could not control the situation but you did survive. As an adult survivor of childhood assault, we tend to blame ourselves for the event. It took 26 years for me to process and realize it wasn’t my fault.”

Women are not the only victims of sexual assault. Robert is convinced there are more men who don’t share their story to avoid shame and the fear of being labeled as weak. “We need to talk about it for the sake of young men. We need to give them strength to speak out and find healing.”

Robert continues to heal through creative outlets such as writing. He completed his book “From a Cry to a Shout” in 2006 and he blogs regularly for the non-profit he founded. For over 18 years, Robert worked as a medical social worker and hospice chaplain at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. For the last 13 years, he has been a full time pastor at New Testament Church in Los Angeles. He and his wife of 30 years have two sons, Adam (29) and Tyler (22).

“My faith has certainly helped me above all. For me, having a faith to draw from is very important. There is a writer in the New Testament, Paul, who said in Second Timothy ‘the things you have told of me, commit those to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.’ If I help someone and they help someone it just continues and helps our society. Our stories empower and help safeguard our communities against the devastation of sexual assault.”

 Click here to read an excerpt from Robert's book.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Senior Programs

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Senior Programs

We have enjoyed sharing stories and spotlighting the YWCA Greater Los Angeles Senior Programs during the first quarter of 2012. As we have shared, the YWCA GLA offers a variety of senior programs at two different program locations, YWCA Union Pacific Empowerment Center and YWCA West LA at the Felicia Mayhood Center, funded by the Weingart and Ralph M. Parsons foundations. With the second largest elderly population in the country, the need for strong senior programs in Los Angeles is great.

As we wrap up our focus on Senior Programs, I would like to share an inspirational story with you about Mahine Yamotaharr. Studies show that seniors who give back to their communities are less likely to feel isolated and experience symptoms of depression. Mahine is a wonderful example of this and a reminder that everyone - regardless of age or other concerns - can give back and enrich their communities. 

 

Meet Mahine...

Mahine Yamotaharr was introduced to the YWCA Greater Los Angeles by participating in the senior program at the Felicia Mahood Center located in West Los Angeles. When she noticed there was a need for volunteers, she decided to offer her time. She was 78 years old at the time - that was eight years ago. Mahine has four children and six grandchildren. She worked as a teacher in Iran for 25 years teaching High School Economics. Her life passion is to help others.

 

Tell about your work at the YWCA.

I volunteer as a teacher assistant and translator in the ESL class. This class is offered to local seniors. We have about 25 people who attend class every Monday and Thursday. After class, I volunteer for an hour with the Ladies Persian Club. Here we focus on having fun! We play bingo, socialize, and participate in other activities.

How long have you been involved with the YWCA?

For 8 years!! After I started attending the ESL class, I got to know Zohreh Pedram, Program Specialist for the YWCA. I noticed she needed help – she was so busy and worked so hard. So, one day I told her, “I’m going to help you.” And that’s how I started volunteering. When these seniors are happy, they live better – they are healthier. Most of them are alone. They need people to show them love!

What would you say to encourage others to volunteer of their time?

I talk with others and encourage them to volunteer – but I don’t push them. You must be happy with your work – you must choose it. I can only say how much I love volunteering and helping others. Sometimes I get tired – sometimes I’m doing too much – even when I’m tired I feel very happy to help.

 

Throughout 2012, we will continue shining a light on the programs the YWCA GLA offers to the community. Beginning in April, we will learn more about Sexual Assault Crisis Services and the thousands of lives who are impacted daily by crucial program efforts. We know this work - this vital work - could not be possible without dedicated partners and generous donors. Please consider partnering with us as we continue pursuing our mission to eliminate racism and empower women in Los Angeles.Click here to make a donation now.

We hope you enjoy meeting women and families who have been changed because of the work of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

In Appreciation, 

Faye Washington
CEO YWCA GLA

It's Time... SAAM 2012 Promo

ADVOCACY: Support CDBG

Dear Friends of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles:

Please join us and help us show Congress there is strong support for CDBG. Tell Your Senator to Support CDBG!

Urge your United States Senator to sign on to Senator Leahy's HUD CDBG Appropriations letter to increase funding for CDBG in FY2013.

ACTION:

Members of Congress are allowed to submit requests regarding their FY2013 funding priorities to the relevant appropriations subcommittees.  

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) is now circulating a letter (a request) in the Senate urging his colleagues to support increasing funding for CDBG for FY2013.  

Please call your Senator and urge them to sign on to  Rep. Brady's letter. The deadline for Members to sign on to the letter is March 13.

To call your Senator, click here.

To view a copy of the letter, click here.

BACKGROUND:

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a major source of funding for programs that help women, children and families. Nationwide, YWCAs use CDBG to provide housing programs, job training programs, childcare and afterschool programs, and domestic violence and sexual assault services.

Unfortunately, CDBG was cut from nearly $4 billion ($3.99 billion) in FY10 to $2.94 billion in FY12 - a $1 billion decrease! This means YWCAs nationwide are struggling to provide vital services and programs for women and children.

Thank you for your support in showing Congress that CDBG is vital and much needed!

In Appreciation, 

Faye Washington
CEO YWCA GLA

PROGRAM FOCUS: Senior Programs

DID YOU KNOW??

The most socially connected older adults are three times as likely to report very good or excellent health compared to those who are least connected. (As reported in the article, "Social Disconnectedness, Perceived Isolation and Health Among Older Adults," published in March 2009 issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.) The YWCA Greater Los Angeles offers various socializing activities for senior participants including clubs, hobbies, dances, and game nights.

Learn more about YWCA GLA Senior Programs at http://www.ywcagla.org/empowerment-projects/

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."