P2P Community Development Pathway out of Poverty

Youth economic advancement

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

P2P Community Development Inc. is aware that there has long been a history of racial discrimination, racial profiling, mass criminalization and incarceration within our communities that has resulted in many challenges for our youth. Many are caught up in family separation, foster care, adoption, mental illness, addictions, gangs, increased violence, police harassment, hunger, teen pregnancy, health issues, homelessness, under-education, under-employment, and lack of access to resources and support services, etc.
P2P is committed to working to address these challenges by giving youth access to resources, programming, and mentorship to help build their competences in all areas of their lives.
Dr. E. Hamilton works directly with the Department of Mental Health, Service Area 6 and is Co-Chair. The shared vision is a community driven process that engages a large, multicultural, diverse Southeast LA (SALT 6) community towards a shared goal of hope, recovery, wellbeing in the community.

P2P provides direct services to youth and families through educational enrichment, after-school programs, homework help, arts, music, team sports, and other recreational activities. Entrepreneurial training empowers youth with skills to break the cycle of poverty, including hands-on experience in operating a retail store and print shop under Dr. E. Hamilton’s leadership. Job and trade fairs connect youth and residents to employment, career guidance, and vocational opportunities. P2P supports access to higher education, financial aid, counseling, and union apprenticeships. A diversion program helps prevent suspension, expulsion, and incarceration, while reentry services offer continued support. Music and art workshops foster creativity, with talent shows and open mics showcasing youth expression. Health fairs link families to physical and mental health resources. Community events promote dialogue, healing, and violence prevention. Life skills workshops cover stress management, financial literacy, college planning, and investing. Every youth is paired with a mentor for guidance and encouragement. Family preservation efforts focus on supporting system-impacted youth, including help with record clearing. Outreach events teach youth the value of giving back to their communities.

If P2P’s work is successful, Los Angeles County will see empowered youth and stronger families. More young people will graduate, pursue higher education, and enter the workforce with real-world skills. Entrepreneurship will rise, reducing poverty and unemployment. Safer neighborhoods will emerge through diversion programs, reentry support, and community healing efforts. Access to health and mental health services will improve overall well-being. Creative expression will flourish through arts and music, enriching the cultural landscape. Youth will grow into leaders who give back, creating a cycle of positive change and community resilience.