Maravilla Expansion: A Community Safer, Stronger & Self-Sufficient

Community Safety

East LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Community safety in a Housing Authority Community (HAC) involves ensuring the well-being and security of residents. HACs face unique safety challenges due to socioeconomic disparities and potential crime concentration. The violent crime rate in East LA is 27.3, higher than the US average of 22.7. We have seen an increase since the pandemic, especially among adolescents. This alarming trend creates added insecurity and diminishes quality of life. Maravilla serves 500 families predominately Latinx and Black. Feedback from many residents points to the unchecked increase in Marijuana Dispensaries and the amount of youth high from access to pot and its abuse, "our kids were left on their own and are now walking around like zombies". LAHDA reached out to us to bring our successful programs and services to them in the efforts to meet their outcomes and our aligned missions to strengthen neighborhoods, empower families, support local economies, and promote individual achievement.

We received a small grant from the LA County Development Authority (LACDA) to provide programs at Maravilla HAC. LACDA has recognized our reputation and invited us to be their Enrichment Services Provider due to our longstanding service to their families. While a previous grant was rescinded due to the pandemic, we have continued serving through one-time events and inviting families to our location. The new grant funds 12 hours a week, but we are seeking additional funding to offer our full plan of 30 hours a week and special events. Our M.E.N.T.O.R. initiative plays a crucial role in community safety by providing a safe environment and engaging activities for youth. Through one-on-one case management, family support, and a comprehensive Wheel of Wellness, we promote positive values, conflict resolution skills, and personal responsibility. Our A-H curriculum: A- Academics, Assessment, the Arts, Athletics, Anti-Bullying B- Buddies, 4-Levels of Mentors/Life Skills. C- Character, College Prep., Community Service/Leadership, Collaboration. D - Diversity & Inclusion, Drug Prevention, Dealing with Your Feelings. E - Electives (passion-driven), Environmental Science, Employment. F - Financial Literacy, Food & Fitness, Family Resources, Field Trips. G - Gang Prevention, Gender Specific programs. H - Healthy Relationships. We also aim to collaborate with schools and law enforcement agencies to enhance community safety through targeted initiatives and positive community engagement

Our success will be characterized by improved academic performance, increased engagement, & school attendance, reduced risky behaviors, enhanced social connections, pathways to higher education & career readiness, and social development including important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, resiliency, critical thinking and boost self-esteem. These indicators will demonstrate the positive impact on participants' educational achievements, personal growth, & community engagement. Our family support component will be enriching the lives of families by enhancing parenting skills, supporting working parents, strengthening family bonds, and offering holistic support. These benefits contribute to the growth, stability, and success of the family unit. Our long-term objectives encompass breaking the cycle of generational poverty and transforming Housing Authority living into a transitional phase paving the way for individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and an independent lifestyle.

Following our logic model and program project plan, we will use formative and summative evaluation to refine our plans. The project's impact will be measured quantitatively and qualitatively. Success will be reflected in higher self-esteem, improved grades, positive attitudes, diversity appreciation, social engagement, STEAM proficiency, college & job placements. Participants will be empowered, equipped with life strategies, and prepared to face challenges. Family involvement and community collaboration will strengthen support systems. Participants will actively contribute to formative and summative evaluations, discussing project success and challenges. Individualized project plans will track goals, activities, and expectations, evaluated collectively by participants, the Program Director, and Advisory Board. Assigned mentors will support implementation, while participants self-assess weekly goals to enhance progress.