Daniel Adler

Educator, Long Beach

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is a win-win-win for everybody. My students learn how to do taxes, the community gets free assistance and I love doing it. The students see lots of single moms, immigrants, low-income residents and are pretty intimidated the first time, but their confidence grows. They say it was the best thing they did in high school.

I didn’t always want to be a teacher. I wasn’t a stellar student. But there were a few teachers who helped me out, who saved me from the brink. Education really is rocket science. It’s complicated. Many teachers are afraid to fail, but I actually think you earn points when you fail in front of your students.

Education is getting kids to think, to get their own answers. And if you get your kids involved in the community, they’ll spend the rest of their lives giving back to the community.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Kaz Ando

Change Agent, Super Volunteer

They say I’m a “super volunteer,“ but I say if you feel you can’t do much of anything, you must do something. Don’t rely on others to take responsibility. You have to do it. And, there’s so much to do. For seven years, I’ve participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program throughout the community, including at Koreatown Youth and Community Center.

Health is close to my heart. The rate of HIV/AIDS is still a horrible problem here in L.A. For the last six years, I’ve helped with AIDS Project L.A. walks and at health fairs for organizations including Planned Parenthood. Phone banks, races for cures to terrible diseases like Alzheimer’s. I’m there.

I also donate blood monthly. My donation directly impacts people with leukemia and other forms of cancer. I like that I’m literally giving myself for others. This place has given so much to me. Why shouldn’t I give back?

Photo by S. Comen

Mud Baron

Farmer, Teacher and Project Director, Pasadena

There’s this bias in education that if you work with your hands, you’re less intelligent. We’ve stopped showing students how to make, to build, to do.

For 12 years, I’ve had the coolest job ever: teaching gardening to kids. My students earn a paycheck by growing food, flowers and their own futures. We sell what we grow, and we brought in $100,000 last year.

It’s a teen jobs program that looks like a farm. Students learn to show up on time, problem-solve and work as a team. They become leaders, entrepreneurs and great employees.

With all the jobs I’ve had, I never realized the seeds I was planting. I’m a farmer, a teacher, a business owner and an artist. I want to show my kids they can be all of those things. Because I’ve been given a lot in my life, and when you’re given to, you have to give back.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Damiek Barrow

Free Thinker, Athens/Westmount

The classroom is community. My kids have experienced so much trauma. Many are from foster care, group homes, project situations. Behind their bravado are souls who need inspiration. So in my drama class we create personal monologues. We talk about a topic, and they take it from there. The process is going to be noisy, aggressive, and they need the space to do it. I help with presentation, but the rest is up to them. It’s not magic. I open the door and they walk through it.

Through the experience, they find out how strong they are. They build self-esteem and learn that it’s OK to fail sometimes. These kids will be a lot farther along than me when they’re my age.

Your gifts aren’t meant to be kept secret. The only thing worse than not using your gift is not sharing it with your community.

Photo by S. Comen

Shaunelle Curry

Social Entrepreneur, Los Angeles County-wide

Youth are bombarded with media filled with misogyny and violence. At Media Done Responsibly, we train college students who educate high school youth to engage with and create media that is representative of their humanity. From billboards to bumper stickers, media impacts people – their self-image to their world views. Our students have said, “I can’t listen to that music the same way now.“ That is success. What was once normalized now begins to grate. They feel uncomfortable because it’s disrespectful, and they feel the urge to do something about it. We’re teaching them that they have power to make change and create stories that reflect their lives.

I don’t know if there is a measurement for the relationships that we build with students. Some are teaching their own parents. Success looks like them finding that spark within themselves and their potential, and running with it.

Learn about Media Done Responsibly at mediadoneresponsibly.org.

Photo by N. Montes

Steve Danz

Volunteer Command Pilot and Board Chair, Angel Flight West, Los Angeles County-wide

We all get stuck in our office-to-home lives, and once in awhile you have to take a break and say, “Isn’t there more than just work and home? And if so, what is it?”

We all started as pilots with our own planes and wanted to use them for something better. As Angel Flight volunteer command pilots, we fly patients who need specialized, non-emergency medical services and get them to their appointments. And we do it for free.

We treat the patients with dignity and make them feel special. They fly in executive-class airplanes, and they’re given the royal treatment by the pilots. The really human element is that their worth is acknowledged. They’re no longer suffering silently.

For me and for my pilot colleagues, Angel Flight has changed flying from fun to fulfilling. It’s really become joyful. We’re using the resources we have for a real purpose.

Learn about Angel Flight West at angelflightwest.org.

Photo by S. Comen

Sister Margaret Farrell

Spiritual Advisor, Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles

I find when I’m with the youth, it doesn’t matter what I’m going through in my life, I forget about myself.

We try to give structure to people who have had none in their lives. We try to teach them basic skills so they can live independently. Covenant House provides that kind of space for youth. Sometimes we give them the space to mess up. Sometimes it’s like taking two steps forward and three steps backwards.

I can be tough. “She doesn’t take any BS, “some of the older ones will tell you. You can’t pull a fast one on me. But I try to be compassionate, just being there, not judgmental in any way.

When I struggle with loss in my life, the one thing that helps is to help another person. My advice: don’t be afraid. These are human beings. Sometimes all they want is to have a conversation.

Learn about Covenant House California at covenanthousecalifornia.org.

Photo by N. Montes

Theresa Farthing

Lead Cook and Chef Instructor Assistant, Highland Park

I tell my students, “You are the controller of your success. There’s nothing in your past that can stop you from succeeding.”

I had a hard road. I went back and forth to jail before I set down my baggage. But L.A. Kitchen was what I’d been waiting for. They teach you to do more than cook. They get you thinking about helping people.

I graduated in the very first class and was the first student hired. Now I’m lead cook and chef instructor assistant. I mentor the students. Our pasts may be blemished, but L.A. Kitchen gives us a chance.

If a store gets a tomato that’s not cosmetically correct, they throw it away. Give it to us, and we’ll make a sauce out of that tomato, feed someone who needs a meal. We’re about not wasting. Food. People. Give them to us, and we’ll make something good.

Learn about L.A. Kitchen at lakitchen.org.

Photo by N. Montes

Andrea Flores

Juvenile Justice Advocate, Los Angeles County-wide

Sometimes the hardest things are easier expressed on paper. The Beat Within gives a voice and a safe space for incarcerated youth through publishing their writing and art. They sort through their emotions, think critically and reflect. They read about kids going through the same things. When you’re a teenager, knowing you’re not alone is very helpful.

I never imagined volunteering at a juvenile hall. But there are many similarities between these kids and my friends and me growing up in Los Angeles.

If we could get these stories to judges and policymakers, they could understand more that these are just kids trying to survive in conditions that most people couldn’t survive. The fact that they’re still trying to make it is incredible.

There’s a deep story behind everyone. If you just get to know the person behind all of the masks that we wear, it can be really amazing.

Learn about The Beat Within at thebeatwithin.org.

Photo by N. Montes

Hayward Gray

Community Volunteer , South Los Angeles

Exercise is important. Especially for senior citizens, who often live alone. I want to make my class feel good every day, and believe me, it works. I can see the results in people. I started in 1991 after I retired, and I’ve been volunteering my time as an exercise instructor ever since. They call me at home; I see them on the street. We are a close knit group of people here.

I’m a Southerner, I was born in Louisiana. The way I was brought up, my parents taught me to respect people no matter who they are. And help people. That was branded into us. And so it comes naturally.

Now that I’m a senior citizen myself, I can help people more than I could in the past. I thought for a long time that you have to be rich to give back, but I found out that isn’t true.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Isabel Guillen

Cancer Warrior, Boyle Heights

Christmas still comes when you have cancer. You still have to feed your family. Life goes on, when you’re sick, and it’s even more devastating if you are poor.

As a 32-year-old mother, I battled breast cancer. I lost both my jobs, but I gained insight. My mother got me to and from treatment and friends gave me small items that brought me comfort like blankets and scarves. Other patients would say “Que bonito, where did you get that? You have a lot of support.” That stuck with me and Chavelyta’s Pink Hood was born.

We create comfort baskets that are delivered to people undergoing cancer treatment. During the holidays, we give away turkeys.

This work honors my father who also battled cancer. We are not promised tomorrow. If I can leave this earth and say that I helped my community and I did something to make a change, it’s all worth it.

Learn about Chavelyta’s Pink Hood at facebook.com/chavelytaspinkhoodcancerfoundation.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Umar Hakim

Faithful Leader, Compton

I believe that service can change your life.

Seventeen years ago, the ILM (Intellect, Love and Mercy) Foundation started Humanitarian Day. Every year, it brings Muslims together to put their faith into action by bringing food and medical services to thousands of homeless and at-risk individuals throughout Los Angeles County, across the United States and around the globe. I started as a volunteer, and today I serve as executive director. Humanitarian Day takes place during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours and increase prayers and charitable efforts to people regardless of their faith, but ILM also supports the community year-round.

This work is about gradual progress. It doesn’t get more real than when you see childhood friends in line for services. I keep going over my trust in God and say this is a test about how to serve mankind.

Learn more about Humanitarian Day at humanitarianday.com.

Photo by S. Comen

John Hwang

Storyteller, Skid Row

There are so many hurting people around us. If we open ourselves up, just to be a friend, sometimes that’s all it takes.

When I started going to Skid Row, at first it was surreal; it’s like culture shock. But the more you go, you begin to see the different layers. You see that there’s a community; it’s not so chaotic. I spent countless hours getting to know people.

Photography was never my intention, but I thought, “I have to document this.” When you show genuine interest in people’s stories, they open up. That created more compelling photos because they were comfortable. So that’s how the Skid Row Stories website started.

I do it because we’re all a little afraid of each other. I just want to build a sense of community and connection. Everyone struggles from time to time; everyone is on a different journey. But we have a shared humanity.

Learn about John Hwang’s work at skidrowstories.com.

Photo by N. Montes

Ann Jackson

Educator/Community Organizer, South Los Angeles

I worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 45 years, and always said that once I retire, I’m not going to sit home. I’m a good question asker – I ask lots of questions. At L.A. City Council meetings they say, “Here you are again!” I just want the same things for South L.A. that other communities have. There should be no disparity.

I saw many hungry people in the neighborhood. One day seven years ago, we cooked a bunch of food at my house. Three of us went out and delivered 20 dinners. Then it started growing. We did 200 the next year with members of our block association, and it keeps getting bigger. We’re the Angels on Wheels with Meals.

My motivation is to inspire people to get up, go out into the community. It makes me feel wonderful. Can’t you see the smile on my face?

Photo by N. Montes

Rebecca Joseph

Professor, Cal State LA

I walk two roads that lead to one powerful destination: college access and success for first generation students. On one road, I train aspiring teachers to be effective, social justice educators for all students and to serve as advocates to get their students on the path to match colleges, successful careers and meaningful, happy lives. On the other road, I travel around Los Angeles and the country giving workshops about college readiness and success to parents and guardians, students and educators. I created getmetocollege.org, write frequent blogs and offer an app that tracks college admission essay prompts. These powerful yet simple tools are an incredible resource for students.

I get emotional about the idea of breaking cycles together. But one person isn’t enough. I work with hundreds of teachers and counselors so our power is multiplied, helping thousands and thousands of kids succeed in school and get to college.

Learn more at getmetocollege.org.

Photo by N. Montes

Gloria Lazalde

Mother Motivator, San Fernando Valley

In 2005, my mother and sister passed away. My family wanted to honor them by reaching out to other moms who needed help. We decided to host a breakfast, paying tribute to women we knew wouldn’t be celebrating Mother’s Day. We invited 120 women from the community, shelters, probation and Alcoholics Anonymous groups.

Every year, we honor the sacrifices mothers make to overcome obstacles. One year, we surprised a mom by flying in her son who was serving overseas. Their reunion brought everyone to tears.

Proyecto Mariposa also holds workshops to empower mothers. Moms develop their abilities and share visions for their children’s futures. The seeds we plant keep growing year by year. Women are going back to school, re-entering the workforce, discovering their value.

My mission is to motivate, inspire and empower. To help every mother succeed. Together, we can do this, and we’re doing it for our children.

Learn about Proyecto Mariposa at facebook.com/ProyectoMariposa2.

Photo by N. Montes

Jimmy Lizama

Bicycle Messenger, Central Los Angeles

The moment I became enamored with bicycles for what they can do for the city was like a first kiss. Running late, a packed bus forced me to run home to a rusty bike. I took off. Passing two more buses, I actually arrived early. I couldn’t sleep that night thinking about how bicycling could address many urban ills like pollution, congestion, individual health, economic injustice.

I became a bike warrior – literally a bike messenger. Riding builds survival skills. You feel empowered by realizing that traditional space taken by vehicles is human space actually. I understood how cycling could change L.A. I found other advocates for a movement to address L.A.’s problematic car culture. The Bicycle Kitchen was born. Volunteer-driven, it became an advocacy hub. Today, through Re:Ciclos, youth repurpose bikes bound for landfills, become educated about the power of a bicycle and transform the cycles of their lives.

Learn about Re:Ciclos and the Bicycle Kitchen at bicyclekitchen.com .

Photo by S. Kalinina

Mollie Lowery

Homeless Advocate, Los Angeles County-wide

I’ve been doing this kind of work for 45 years now, and I still believe human nature is good. Every day, I learn it’s the truth. I learn from folks who are told they’re nothing. Yet they say, “I want a chance, I want to live and I’m grateful.“

As a founder of LAMP Community on Skid Row, I wanted it to be a place with a real sense of community; a place people wanted to come to. Mental health and substance abuse treatment have to become accessible to everyone. Permanent supportive housing is one solution to ending homelessness. It isn’t the only one. But it’s their gateway to a home and getting needed treatment.

I know we’re supposed to think big and mainstream. On the occasions I’ve tried to do that, I’ve realized I’m just about one-on-one, one person, one life, one relationship at a time to make it a better world.

Learn about Mollie Lowery’s work at housingworksca.org.

Photo by N. Montes

Lalo Marquez

Art Instructor, Venice

We all have a purpose and a calling, and I’m living mine. I’ve taught so many amazingly creative kids throughout the years whose lives I could really relate to. But after high school, there was nowhere for them to go. I started PIECES so they’d have a place to keep growing and evolving.

PIECES artists come from various backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. I get such joy from watching them do something they didn’t think they could, like perform on a stage for the first time.

Guidance, mentorship, education. We all have something to offer. I started as a volunteer, and look where I am now.

PIECES reminds me that everyone is a piece of something. There are those who need a piece and those who have a piece to offer. PIECES is a growing puzzle, a huge piece of someone’s future, a piece of your community and an important piece to something phenomenal.

Learn about PIECES at piecesarts.org.

Photo by N. Montes

Cynthia Mendenhall

Community Builder, Watts

I’m passionate about helping because when I was growing up, I didn’t get the help I needed.

I work for the people. By serving on the Watts Neighborhood Advisory Council, the Imperial Courts’ Resident Advisory Council and working in close collaboration with the Watts Gang Task Force, I want to make this city safe, healthy and filled with opportunities.

I’m a relationship builder. I was part of the historic 1992 Watts Gang Truce, and when a young man was recently beaten up by the LAPD, I built a bridge between him, his family and the police. We don’t have riots here because we can sit down and talk.

Most of all, I’m reaching out to everyone. Kids in foster care, LGBT youth and adults, the homeless, youth coming back from prison and families who’ve lost children to violence. If I can save one child at a time, then I have done my job.

Learn about the Watts Neighborhood Advisory Council at empowerla.org/watts.

Photo by S. Comen

Sylvia Miller

Youth Advocate and Mentor, Norwalk

As a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer, you are the most consistent person in a foster youth’s life. As they move from family to family, I am able to remain in their lives, being their voice and advocating for their future. I am passionate abut providing hope and possibilities to at-risk youth so they may see their future is filled with opportunities.

I am a domestic violence survivor. I thought, “What am I teaching my daughters? I need to get out.” I went from having everything to walking away with nothing. So I’ve been on both sides. I’ve seen the generosity of people. I’ve seen how little things can make a difference, and I want to give back.

There’s so much need in our communities – homelessness, domestic violence, human trafficking – I haven’t touched all those areas, but I’ve got time. I’m just getting started.

Learn about becoming a court-appointed special advocate at casala.org.

Photo by S. Comen

Santiago Ortega

Compassionate Listener, Lynwood

Patients and families under terrible stress want and need to hear the facts, while being listened to with compassion. I volunteer in the ICU for the St. Francis Medical Center’s Patient Advocacy Office because I relate to what these families are feeling.

Five years ago, my son lived through eight bullets, and I had to push to get him the care and attention he deserved. I’ve turned that experience into a positive outcome through volunteering and leading the hospital’s compassionate listener program.

It is important to let patients and families know that they have a voice with no retaliation. In the four years since the program began, complaints have decreased. Other hospitals now ask us for counsel in creating their own compassionate listening programs. This work is not easy. But knowing that I can minimize the frustration and pain for even one person makes this worthwhile.

Learn about patient advocacy at St. Francis Medical Center at stfrancis.verity.org.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Kaci Patterson

Change Agent, Los Angeles County-wide

My life is dramatically different because somebody who I don’t know, who I will probably never meet, put their money to use on my behalf. I feel a great sense of gratitude for that, and it gives me a deep sense of personal responsibility to be a driving force of opportunity for other people.

The Building Leaders and Cultivating Change (B.L.A.C.C.) giving circle is a way to bring together like-minded professionals to connect our thinking and our dollars and put our money on a mission. We are concerned about the state of our community, and we want to be involved in making a better Los Angeles. It’s important for us as black professionals to be engaged in the business of uplifting our community and to make black philanthropy a pivotal piece of how communities are empowered and built. When we do that, all of L.A. benefits.

Learn about Building Leaders and Cultivating Change (B.L.A.C.C.) at libertyhill.org/blacc.

Photo by S. Comen

Rosalie Portillo

Keeper of Treasures, Lincoln Heights

My daughter dragged me to a meeting here nearly 30 years ago, and I never left.

La Plaza de la Raza has been a treasure for me. I didn’t realize it when I first came here, but I think I was kind of lonely. And all of a sudden, I found this whole new big world.

People needed my help. It was just lovely to step in here.

When they opened this store, the executive director asked me to run it. Little by little, we made it grow. There are so many artists in this community, and they just started bringing me their work.

I’ve met so many incredible people here, from the kids and parents to the teachers and staff. La Plaza is like a little gold mine in this community. It brings out all the artistic ability that kids have. So many people don’t realize they have talent, and they do.

Learn more about Plaza De La Raza at plazadelaraza.org.

Photo by S. Comen

Michael Quill

Ecopsychologist , Los Angeles County-wide

I want to provide an opportunity for folks who have been disconnected from nature, to reconnect with nature. I opened up L.A. Waterkeeper’s Marine Protected Areas Boat Based Survey Program to at-risk youth and discovered that the process reconnected them to the planet and to themselves. That led me into work with underserved communities, previously incarcerated youth, folks who may live within 10 miles of the ocean and never interact with it. While collecting data, crew members learn some science and become environmental ambassadors, spreading the word about the state of our waters back into to their neighborhoods.

The survey experience helps build a sense of stewardship in our communities. It serves to shift habituated perspectives. Everything we do inland affects our waters. We have to change core behaviors; change consciousness. Those changes can’t be imposed by governments; change has to come from within our community. That’s my big message.

Learn about L.A. Waterkeeper at lawaterkeeper.org.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Yasuko Sakamoto

Community Helper, Little Tokyo

Growing up poor on a farm in Japan, I occasionally had to ask for help for my family. Learning how to accept help as a child was important in understanding how to help others as an adult.

Little Tokyo Service Center was founded 35 years ago to serve the pioneer Issei, the first generation Japanese, in Los Angeles who contributed so much to the community but were reluctant to ask for help. Today we serve all low-income groups with housing, child care, mental health, child abuse prevention, support groups, senior services and domestic violence programs.

We started out with three people and today our staff is 130 strong.

As a bilingual social worker, being culturally competent ensures that all clients are treated with respect. I am proud that Little Tokyo Service Center staff works as a team to help bring quality services to the community.

Learn about Little Tokyo Service Center at ltsc.org.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Robert & Jeanne Segal

Digital Mental Health Pioneers, Global

Helpguide.org is dedicated to our daughter, Morgan Segal. We believe her tragic suicide could have been avoided if she had access to professional self-help information on the Internet that gave her hope. We wanted to create an online experience that empowers people to help themselves create better mental, emotional and physical health.

We kept polishing and expanding the website. By 2012, Harvard Health Publications approached us to collaborate, we reached 50 million visitors and the positive feedback was piling up. We thought, “We must be doing something that’s helping people.” Those numbers tell a story.

We are 82 and 76 years old and more excited than ever. The creative process constantly delights us. We work with highly talented young people and savor the results. The goals set in 1999 are fulfilled beyond our wildest dreams. And we’ve been told that Helpguide.org has saved many lives.

Learn more at Helpguide.org.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Harry Shabazian

Leader of the Pack, Los Angeles County-wide

Marathon running is about having faith to accomplish what seems impossible. That’s how we want kids to think about college. Whether it takes a few hours or eight, you still completed a marathon. Whether it takes five years or more, you still have a college degree.

Finishing my first marathon brought up emotions I never felt before. Satisfaction, accomplishment. I earned respect from my students, who wanted to run with me. In 1987, seven kids ran the L.A. Marathon. By 1990, 20 schools participated as “Students Run L.A.” Today, we’re capped at 3,000 kids from 175 schools. If the marathon allowed it, we’d have 20,000.

I taught for 29 years and I’ve helped lead Students Run L.A. for a quarter century. Running a marathon is like the Wizard of Oz journey: you find what you lack. You tap your inner ability. You’re not sure how it will impact you, but it will.

Learn about Students Run L.A at srla.org .

Photo by S. Comen

Maria Sipin

Active Transportation Ally, Los Angeles County-wide

My volunteer work at Multicultural Communities for Mobility and my full-time gig as a health communications coordinator at Children’s Hospital are connected. I meet many people who travel long distances for their appointments, and we often talk about their challenges getting here. And that’s when it clicked: transportation is a determinant of health. Biking, walking and transit advocacy aligns with public health.

A major challenge we’re facing in transportation is that there are really archaic policies and views that govern the way we design and think about streets. I am working toward achieving a healthy, happy and successful L.A. that plans for and makes transit, bike lanes and safe streets accessible to everyone, including low-income communities and people of all ages and abilities. Having a safe place to walk, bike and roll shouldn’t be reserved for wealthier neighborhoods. It really is meant for the whole city.

Learn about Multicultural Communities for Mobility at multicultimobility.org.

Photo by S. Kalinina

Wesley Walker, Jr.

Community Activist, Downtown Los Angeles

When I was released from incarceration, I thought, “There has to be more than winding up back in jail.” I prayed to get rid of that taste. And I really wanted to help people.

I got involved with Los Angeles Community Action Network (LACAN). My vision is to see more affordable housing. I advocate at the City and State level for civil rights and tenants’ rights.

When I lived in the Huntington Hotel, the landlord started offering relocation fees that didn’t meet City requirements. Some people had lived there 40 years or more. I didn’t want to see them kicked out and left in the street. We organized tenant meetings at LACAN and informed people of their rights. Everybody finally got something to create a better life after they moved.

Community work was my destiny. I thirst for the future because I know there’s more that needs to be done.

Learn about Los Angeles Community Action Network at cangress.org.

Photo by S. Comen