In this episode of Changemakers LA, LISC LA Program Officer Erica Webster delves into the topic of diversion programs. These programs aim to prevent or minimize an individual's involvement with law enforcement or the criminal justice system by providing services such as mental health and substance abuse treatment or housing support. This discussion explores these programs from the viewpoint of participants and social service providers. Additionally, our guests will share insights on the key factors that contribute to the success of diversion programs.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation is:
Tanu Ah You, Case Manager At Transformational Living Homes, Founder of ALOFA
Pat Seller, Co-Founder of ALOFA
In this episode, Tanu Ah You shares his inspiring journey to sobriety, reflecting the challenges, victories, and the powerful impact of his experiences with diversion programs and substance use treatment. Throughout his path, he found unwavering support from his friend, Pat, who also joins us on the panel. Pat describes her role as a friend and advocate for Tanu, highlighting how she navigated the delicate balance of holding him accountable while remaining realistic and providing unconditional support. Her perspective offers valuable insights for those supporting loved ones on their sobriety journey.
Our panel consists of two remarkable individuals:
Tanu Ah You serves as a Case Manager at Transformational Living Homes, a reputable sober living and recovery program based in Long Beach. Additionally, he is a Founding Board member at Project ALOFA (Another Loving Opportunity For All), a dedicated organization that advocates for Asian and Pacific Islanders experiencing incarceration and reentry. Tanu's personal experience within the criminal legal system further fuels his passion for helping others, as he currently participates in a diversion program. He believes that his firsthand encounters enable him to form deeper connections with the clients he serves.
Pat Sellers, a close friend of Tanu and Co-founder of ALOFA, has been a community organizer for many years. Over a decade ago, Pat crossed paths with Tanu, and their friendship flourished. When Tanu approached Pat with the idea of launching Project LOAFA, she eagerly embraced the opportunity to make a difference alongside him.
Together, Tanu and Pat bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to our discussion, shedding light on the triumphs and challenges of navigating sobriety, personal growth, and the vital role of support systems in recovery.
If you would like to learn more about how we support place-based initiatives for housing, economic development, and alternatives to incarceration at LISC LA, please visit us online at www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on twitter @LISC_LA.
You can find the rest of the series on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to hear more conversations about the people and places that shape Los Angeles.
This podcast was produced in collaboration with Ronnell Hampton, Founder of Growing Greatness Now. Growing Greatness Now is a consulting firm committed to social and environmental justice.
This episode of Changemakers LA is hosted by Alexandra Dawson, Director of Lending + Investments at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Los Angeles office. Alexandra talks to our guests about how they are addressing the equity gap through public policy efforts. Our guests leverage public policy to address many regional issues, including affordable and fair housing, homelessness, and criminal justice.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation is:
Maria Casillas begins this episode by addressing the power in her experience as a formerly incarcerated mother. The challenges Maria faced were a big inspiration driving her passion for helping others. She talks about some of the root causes of the criminal justice system and its disparate impact on some communities. Community leaders like Maria were instrumental in achieving the Measure J funding outcomes.
Alan Greenlee discusses the power of coalition building in achieving the Measure ULA funding. He discussed the five components of coalitions and described the importance of generating resources sufficient to produce significant amounts of affordable housing.
Konstantin Hatcher discusses why it's essential to get people housed and build an environment that creates financial opportunities for those on the front lines and the most affected by the housing crisis. Finally, Konstantin explains how AB 2873 starts providing incentives for affordable housing builders that can diversify the pipeline of the folks they contract with.
About our panel:
Konstantin Hatcher is the Senior Director of Community Impact at California YIMBY. California YIMBY’s mission is to make California an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. Their goal is to put California on a path of broad-based economic prosperity, creating vibrant, livable, and inclusive communities for everyone.
Maria Casillas is the Founder & Executive Leader of Pride In Truth, guiding the organization's strategy to center those most impacted by unjust systems. With a background as a formerly incarcerated, first-generation immigrant and single mother, Maria brings a unique perspective to the role. She serves on the Board of the Youth Justice Coalition and advocates for the rights of youth, incarcerated individuals, and undocumented people.
Alan Greenlee, is the Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH), where he has served since 2012. With 25 years of experience, he has a strong commitment to helping low-income families, and he has designed and managed programs nationwide, impacting hundreds of thousands of families. His extensive experience allows him to bring innovation to the fight against poverty.
If you would like to learn more about how we support place-based initiatives for housing, economic development, and alternatives to incarceration at LISC LA, please visit us online at www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on twitter @LISC_LA.
You can find the rest of the series on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to hear more conversations about the people and places that shape Los Angeles.
This podcast was produced in collaboration with Ronnell Hampton, Founder of Growing Greatness Now. Growing Greatness Now is a consulting firm committed to social and environmental justice.
This episode of Changemakers LA is hosted by Program Officer Wendy Gomez who oversees LISC LA’s Alternatives to Incarceration Incubation Academy. The Incubation Academy is a capacity building program for grassroots organizations serving the reentry population across LA County. Wendy talks to a graduate of the Incubation Academy about why community-based services are so critical in reentry and reimaging a justice system that is focused on care first.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation is:
If you're interested in the justice system and how it impacts individuals and communities, this episode of the Changemakers LA Podcast is a must-listen. Host Wendy Gomez speaks with Danielle Lafayette, the founder and Executive Director of Unite a Nation, a community-based organization providing housing, economic stability, and restorative justice services to formerly incarcerated individuals. The conversation explores why a care-first approach is crucial in the reimagination of the justice system, and how community-based services such as housing, economic stability, mental health, and peer support can facilitate healing and build stronger, safer communities. This episode offers insights and personal experiences that shed light on the complex challenges and opportunities facing the reentry population and the importance of community-centered solutions.
About our guest:
Danielle Lafayette is the founder and Executive Director of Unite a Nation, providing housing, economic stability, and wraparound services to formerly incarcerated individuals and youth development programs. She is justice-impacted and a strong advocate, having witnessed close family members impacted by the criminal injustice system.
If you would like to learn more about how we support place-based initiatives for housing, economic development, and alternatives to incarceration at LISC LA, please visit us online at www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on twitter @LISC_LA.
You can find the rest of the series on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to hear more conversations about the people and places that shape Los Angeles.
This podcast was produced in collaboration with Ronnell Hampton, Founder of Growing Greatness Now. Growing Greatness Now is a consulting firm committed to social and environmental justice.
Senior Program Officer Shona Sen hosts this Changemakers LA podcast episode, covering the support Angelenos need in accessing digital literacy and upskilling opportunities through LISC's Financial Opportunity Centers® (FOCs). LISC's FOCs are community partners that provide employment and career counseling, one-on-one financial coaching, low-cost financial products, and income support counseling free of cost to their neighborhoods and communities.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
● Susy Contreras, Community Development Program Director of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)
● Dawn Comer, Director of Technology Inclusion for the City of Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Budget and Innovation
● Sandra Bonneville, Financial Empowerment Program Manager for Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP)
See full show notes for this episode at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/changemakers-la-podcast-financial-literacy-just-recovery/
This episode of Changemakers LA was made possible by Mastercard Impact Fund, with support from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.
If you want to learn more about how we support place-based initiatives for housing and economic development at LISC LA, please visit us online at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on Facebook @LISCLosAngeles.
Senior Program Officers Shona Sen and Stephen Salazar Ceasar host this Changemakers LA podcast episode covering organizations helping formerly incarcerated Angelenos navigate life after incarceration with support to find public services and pathways to highroad careers. Our guests represent the leaders of organizations implementing innovative approaches to helping the formerly incarcerated reconnect to the world that has changed so much during their incarceration.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
● Roberto Luca, Director of Mass Liberation
● Semaje Stinson, Vocational Counselor with Asian Pacific Islander Drug Abuse Program
● Adewale Ogunbadejo, Vice President of Workforce Development at GRID Alternatives
Read the full show notes on our website at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/changemakers-la-podcast-upward-mobility-reentry-population
This episode of Changemakers LA was made possible by our partner, Ralph M Parsons Foundation.
If you want to learn more about how we support place-based initiatives for housing and economic development at LISC LA, please visit us online at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on Twitter @LISC_LA.
You can find the rest of the series on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to hear more conversations about the people and places that shape Los Angeles. This podcast was produced in collaboration with Ronnell Hampton, founder of Growing Greatness Now. Growing Greatness Now is a consulting firm committed to social and environmental justice.
Senior Program Officer Alexandra Dawson hosts this Changemakers LA podcast episode covering how organizations are helping address housing scarcity and homelessness through urban development, social programs, and advocacy. Our guests represent the leaders of organizations implementing innovative approaches to account for the most marginalized communities impacted by homelessness, like Angelenos who are transitional age youth, LGBTQ, and formerly incarcerated.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
● Erika Hartman, Executive Director, Safe Place for Youth
● Becky Dennison, Venice Community Housing
● Veronica Lewis, Executive Director, HOPICS
Learn more about our speakers at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/addressing-affordable-housing-and-homeless-crisis-los-angeles
If you want to learn more about how we support place-based initiatives for housing and economic development at LISC LA, please visit us online at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on Twitter @LISC_LA.
This month’s Changemakers LA podcast episode is hosted by Deborah Membreno, LISC LA Program Officer. It covers Preparing Small Business for Eligibility and Accessibility in Supplier Diversity Programs. Each guest provides unique insights on how they are helping impacted businesses increase their overall sustainability and eligibility for contracting.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
This episode began by discussing how many workers are motivated to leave the traditional 9-5 to pursue their passions, exit corporate America, or take on new opportunities like starting a business. Each guest serves the diverse capacity gap needs of new and disadvantaged businesses. In addition, our guests’ business development efforts increase access to supplier diversity initiatives, which facilitate measurable and equitable outcomes towards upward mobility.
Learn more about our guests and our work at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/changemakers-la-podcast-preparing-small-business-eligibility-and-accessibility-supplier-diversity-programs
This month’s Changemakers LA podcast episode is hosted by LISC LA’s Deputy Director Miranda Rodriguez and Senior Program Officer Alexandra Dawson. It covers eligibility and accessibility in supplier diversity programs and opportunities in the City of Los Angeles. Each guest provides unique insights on the importance of building infrastructure, resources, and pipelines that improve economic mobility through contract & procurement opportunities for impacted entities they serve and partner with.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
● Fred Jackson, City of Los Angeles, Economic Workforce and Development Department (EWDD), Assistant General Manager
● Eletrice Harris, Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SoCalNOMA), Summer Camp Director and the SoCal Student Chapter Liaison
● Howard Baum, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), Deputy General Counsel
Learn more on our site at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/eligibility-and-accessibility-supplier-diversity-programs-and-opportunities/
This episode of Changemakers LA was made possible by our partner, California Community Foundation.
If you would like to learn more about how we support place-based initiatives for housing and economic development at LISC LA, please visit us online at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on Twitter @LISC_LA
You can find the rest of the series on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to hear more conversations about the people and places that shape Los Angeles. This podcast was produced in collaboration with Growing Greatness Now, a consulting firm committed to social and environmental justice.
This month’s Changemakers LA podcast episode is hosted by LISC LA’s Program Officer, Shon Sen, and covers best practices and areas of opportunity to address the unprecedented impact that COVID-19 and inequity have had on the workforce as experienced by employers and employees that live and work in the City of Los Angeles. Each guest and the host provide a unique perspective on the importance of building the capacity of workforce development organizations to improve service delivery and economic mobility for the impacted demographics and entities they serve and partner with.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
See full shownotes on our website at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/building-capacity-workforce-development-organizations-improve-service-delivery-and-upward-mobility-their-target-demographics
This episode of Changemakers LA was made possible by our partner, JP Morgan Chase.
If you would like to learn more about how we support place-based initiatives for housing and economic development at LISC LA, please visit us online at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on twitter @LISC_LA
You can find the rest of the series on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to hear more conversations about the people and places that shape Los Angeles. This podcast was produced in collaboration with Growing Greatness Now, a consulting firm committed to social and environmental justice.
Today's episode will cover the importance of the school-to-career pipeline and managing equity outcomes through industry, governmental, and academic institution/organization coordination during & after COVID-19. This episode is filled with jewels and highlights two Changemakers navigating the culture shift towards equity in the outcomes of the school-to-career pipeline during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
Learn more on our site at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/school-career-pipeline-managing-equity-outcomes-through-industry-and-academic-coordination-during-after-covid-19/
In 2020, LISC-LA created the South LA Economic Inclusion Implementation Plan, a 3-year implementation plan that supports an integrated, place-based approach to advancing economic mobility for communities in South LA.
The plan recommendations seek to connect South LA residents and businesses across three distinct districts in South LA: the Crenshaw Corridor, Exposition Park, and the Goodyear Tract to the regional economy and foster connection across local organizations to create ladders of economic opportunity for South LA residents.
The recommendations outlined in the South LA Economic Inclusion Implementation Plan seek to grow South LA’s strengths, combat the root of institutional oppression, and connect local organizations to bring more accessible economic opportunity for all South LA residents.
In this episode, Tunua sits down with three of our South LA Implementation partners and HUD S4 grantees to discuss what can be done for advancing economic mobility for communities in South LA.
View the full shownotes here: https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/advancing-economic-mobility-communities-south-la/
In 2018, almost half of all renters in the United States were considered to be either moderately or severely cost-burdened, which means housing costs exceeded 30% of the family income. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted and exacerbated the growing income inequality that has left millions of households behind.
Specifically, income inequality between Black and White households worsened. Although the median incomes of both Black and White households grew in the last decade, Black household incomes rose much more slowly. The median income for Black households in 2019 was $43,200—roughly 60% of that of white households and the lowest of all other racial groups.
In this episode, Tunua sits down with three experts to explore the topic of advancing equitable growth in the affordable housing industry.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
The average net worth of a White family in America is 10x greater than the average net worth of a Black family. Let that sink in. In this episode, Tunua sits down with two experts to explore the topic of Coronavirus resiliency and racial inequity, especially during this unprecedented time.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
In this episode we explore:
** This episode was recorded in December 2020 **
We’re almost a full year into the COVID-19 crisis and so many individuals and businesses are months behind in their rent due to the effects of the pandemic. In this episode, Tunua sits down with 3 experts to chat about the timely topic of cancelling the rent and what steps we can take to work to provide rent relief to those in need.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
In this episode we explore:
About our panel:
Tom DeSimone, CEO and President of Genesis LA. Genesis LA’s mission is to deliver financial solutions that advance economic and social opportunities in underserved communities. As President and CEO, Tom brings years experience to funding and implementing capital resources for work on much needed local community development.
Director of Community Economic Development of the Little Tokyo Service Center, Tak Suzuki. Tak is a veteran at the The Little Tokyo Service Center having spent 20 years serving the Little Tokyo community. Through his work at the LTSC he helps provide social services and community development focused on improving the lives of local individuals and families.
Rudy Espinoza is the Executive Director of Inclusive Action for the City, a leader in local community development with extensive experience in the field. At Inclusive Action, he leads the organization as they work to bring people together to build strong, local economies that uplift low-income urban communities through advocacy and transformative economic development initiatives
This pandemic has been with us for over half a year. And though the mask wearing and social distancing have become a part of everyday life, small businesses – especially those in historically marginalized communities – are still feeling the impact of COVID-19 just as intensely as when it first began. Business owners may be settling into this new normal, but it begs the question: what is the best way to promote resilience in our communities right now, in a way that is sustainable and provides for people struggling in the current moment? Today, we’re hoping to answer some of those questions through the frame of economic development and community investment.
In this episode of the Changemakers LA podcast, we meet with leaders with firsthand experience in the community development field during COVID-19 and beyond.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
- Mikaela Randolph, the board president of SoLA Food Co-op, a community owned grocery business
- Mary Lee, the former Deputy Director of PolicyLink
- Robert Lewis, the President of the Black Cooperative Investment Fund
In this episode we explore:
- How small minority-owned businesses can promote thriving local economies
- How and why gentrification impact small businesses, especially in LA and especially during COVID-19
- How the pandemic will impact business and community development in the years to come, specifically in LA
This episode of the Changemakers LA Podcast was made possible by our partner, JP Morgan Chase. To learn more about our community investment and small business investment programs, visit our website at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles
In the past year, the number of people experiencing homelessness within the Los Angeles County has risen by 13%. But today, hundreds of thousands more Angelenos are at risk of losing their homes as the pandemic has thrown both our city’s physical and financial health into limbo. In response to this crisis within a crisis, the City has protected Angelenos from ending up without a home by instating an eviction moratorium. But with thousands at risk and the moratorium set to expire, how do we prepare for what is still to come?
In this episode of the Changemakers LA podcast, we meet with leaders taking on homelessness in Los Angeles to discuss what is yet to come and how we can best respond.
Joining LISC LA for this conversation are:
In this conversation we explore:
This episode of the Changemakers LA Podcast was made possibly by our partner, Wells Fargo.
This podcast was recorded on 8/24. If you would like to learn more, visit the show notes at: https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/, or view the Affordable Housing Toolkit at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/covid-19-response/supporting-affordable-housing-owners-during-covid-19/.
In recent months of pandemic response, the ‘Safer at Home’ order has reminded us of the importance and necessity of housing for a safe and healthy Los Angeles. However, for Angelenos at risk of losing housing or without a home, it has brought about an intensified need for supportive, affordable housing. As our city is coming to an acute awareness of the importance of housing for all, we must reform and expedite our approaches to working towards a housed and healthy Los Angeles.
On this Changemakers LA episode, we discuss the future of housing in this unprecedented time. We are proud to have Paul Beesemyer, Bill Huang, Rebecca Louie, and Audrey Peterson join us to discuss the effects of the current pandemic on affordable housing.
Our guests joining us for this episode are:
● Paul Beesemyer, Director of Southern California for the California Housing Partnership
● Bill Huang, Director of the Housing and Career Services Department for the City of Pasadena
● Rebecca Louie, Vice President/COO of Wakeland HDC
● Audrey Peterson, Senior Projects Manager at Clifford Beers Housing
In this episode, you will learn:
● What the coronavirus has taught the field about the relationship between housing, health and safety
● How coronavirus and the resulting lockdown is affecting the already rising demand for affordable housing
● How developers can adapt the services they provide to better serve residents who are sheltering in place
This episode of Changemakers LA was made possible by our partner, MUFG Union Bank.
If you would like to learn more, visit the show notes at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/regional-stories/changemakers-la-future-housing-unprecedented-time
A shortage of affordable housing is causing displacement of residents and driving some into homelessness. While policymakers are trying to find ways to preserve affordable units and to encourage the development of new ones, some nonprofit organizations have figured out how to make more affordable housing available faster and cheaper.
On this Changemakers LA episode, we discuss a couple of innovative housing solutions. We are proud to have Brilliant Corners and Genesis LA join us to discuss what they’re doing to make housing development faster and less expensive.
Our guests joining us for this episode are:
In this episode, you will learn:
If you would like to learn more about how we provide capital support for innovative housing at LISC LA, please visit us online at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles and follow us on twitter @LISC_LA
More than 150,000 Californians slept in shelters, cars or on the street in 2019. This reflected a 17% increase from 2018. Close to 59,000 people were homeless in L.A. County, 61% of which represent the city of L.A.
Rising rents have displaced lower-income Californians and created a shortage of 1.4 million affordable housing units. While $1 billion in this year’s state budget has been allocated to help build shelters and long-term housing, eviction counseling and other homeless prevention strategies are needed.
On this Changemakers LA episode, we discuss how landlords and community members can mitigate displacement and keep residents housed. We are proud to have Social Justice Learning Institute and Mercy Housing join us to discuss what they’ve done to support residents stay in their homes.
Our guests joining us for this episode are:
• Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza, Founder and Executive Director of the Social Justice Learning Institute
• Jacquie Hoffman, Regional Vice President of Property Operations for Mercy Housing
• Jonathan Wolf, Director of Resident Services for Southern California for Mercy Housing
In this episode, you will learn:
• What it took to get rent control in Inglewood
• What tenant protections currently exist
• How landlords can support in the effort to keep folks from being displaced
Resource: Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) http://www.neighborworks.org/Documents/TrainingandServices_Docs/Training_ProfDev_Docs/In-Person-Training/Eviction-Prevention-Programming-Best-Practices-Review.aspx
Learn more about our work at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles
Union Pacific Railroad partnered with LISC in 2018, investing $3 million to connect unemployed and underemployed workers to LISC Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs) in four cities nationwide including Los Angeles. The funding supports connecting low-income residents to careers in the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) industry. According to the LA Economic Development Corporation’s Report on the TDL Sector in Southern California, this industry is on the rise as the San Pedro Port Complex (Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach) continues to grow and expand impact across the region. The Complex handles more containers per ship than any other port complex in the world.
On this Changemakers LA episode, we discuss the goals of the partnership and the successes we’ve seen so far. We are proud to have Union Pacific, CRCD and MAOF join us to discuss how they’re connecting low-income residents to living wage jobs.
Our guests joining us for this episode are:
In this episode, you will learn:
Learn more about LISC and the work we do on our website at https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles