CONNECT
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2015 Grants Challenge

C3: Center for Connecting the Community

The Center for Connecting the Community (C3) is an arts-based community center providing accessible multi-generational programming for LA residents. Through a variety of disciplines in the performing, visual, and culinary arts, C3 will encourage health and wellness through diverse programs that spark engagement and creativity. The Center is designed to be a safe space where community members and leaders can connect and exchange ideas on how to create a vibrant Los Angeles.

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In what areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?

South Bay

City of Los Angeles

LAUSD

Primary center will be located in County District 4, but satellite services will be provided at school and community sites throughout the County.

How do you plan to use these resources to make change?

Engage residents and stakeholders

Implement a pilot or new project

How will your proposal improve the following CONNECT metrics?​

Rates of volunteerism

Adults getting sufficient social & emotional support

Attendance at cultural events

Percentage of Angelenos that volunteer informally (Dream Metric)

Total number of local social media friends and connections (Dream Metric)

Residential segregation (Dream Metric)

Access to free wifi (Dream Metric)

Describe in greater detail how you will make LA the best place to CONNECT.

Dedicated to education, enrichment, and entertainment, Culture Shock LA plans to open an arts-based Center for Connecting the Community (C3) providing accessible multi-generational programming for LA residents. Through a variety of disciplines in the performing, visual, and culinary arts, C3 will encourage health and wellness through diverse programs that spark engagement and creativity.

EDUCATION

C3 will feature programs designed for different age groups under each of the subject areas. Examples of these are music (Mommy & Me, music production), dance (stretching, yoga, and a variety of dance disciplines), visual arts (drawing, graphic design, ceramics), and culinary arts (nutrition, healthy cooking).

Additional classes and groups will also be offered based on the interests of volunteers and the identified needs of the community. For example, if parents are interested in forming support groups or play groups, the Center can provide a space for them. If qualified volunteers wish to provide classes in subjects they care about such as financial literacy, computer basics, or resume building, the Center can afford them the opportunity to do so.

ENRICHMENT

In addition, the Center will include a cafe and common area where people can congregate and connect. It will be a place where students can complete school work while waiting for classes to begin, parents can meet up to exchange advice and experiences, seniors can gather to socialize, and the community at large is welcome to come together. The cafe will also provide job opportunities and give students in the culinary arts classes the opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience in food service and preparation.

True to Culture Shock LA's passion for community service, the Center will also promote projects to support the local community. Planning service opportunities appropriate for all ages, C3 will bring together volunteers and engage them in activities that improve their neighborhoods.

ENTERTAIN

C3 would be the community hub providing meeting space for community discussions, performances, and gatherings. Our goal is for the Center to be a safe space where, through the creative, connecting, and learning process, community members and leaders can improve their well-being and exchange ideas on how to create a vibrant Los Angeles.

Please explain how you will evaluate your work.

Programs and services will be evaluated through qualitative and quantitative data collected using thoughtfully designed participant surveys, attendance counts (daily visits, class enrollments, special events, service activities), and social media analytics.

How can the LA2050 community and other stakeholders help your proposal succeed

Money (financial capital)

Volunteers/staff (human capital)

Publicity/awareness (social capital)

Infrastructure (building/space/vehicles, etc.)

Education/training

Technical infrastructure (computers, etc.)

Community outreach

Network/relationship support