REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT – EXODUS FACILITY BEAUTIFICATION

Executive Summary: YPR-Los Angeles is coordinating an effort to beautify the Exodus Facility at Shields for Families in Compton, CA.  The work will be done by volunteers and residents of the facility over several months, with the kick-off event taking place on Saturday, January 16th 2016.  We have received pledges/commitments for some of the resources required to successfully execute (plants, soil, snacks/refreshments).  We are actively seeking financial support of $2,500  to purchase the remaining resources (tools, plants, soil, etc.). 

Objective:  To beautify the Exodus Facility in Compton by engaging volunteers (from YPR) and residents to plant a sustainable garden in the central area of the compound

Background:  SHIELDS for Families (www.shieldsforfamilies.org) is a non-profit community organization whose mission is “… to develop, deliver and evaluate culturally sensitive, comprehensive service models that empower and advocate for high-risk families in South Los Angeles.”  One of the many programs under the SHIELDS umbrella is Exodus, “…a family-centered treatment program where the entire family resides in an individual family apartment within an 86 unit complex with comprehensive on-site services that meet the needs of homeless substance abusing women and their families.”  Exodus has an incredible impact on its residents and the community – at any given moment, 300 people (recovering addicts and their families) are provided housing for between 18 and 36 months, allowing them to recover from their addictions, learn parenting skills, gain job readiness, and become contributing members of society. 

Young People in Recovery or “YPR” (www.youngpeopleinrecovery.org) is a national grassroots advocacy organization focused on creating recovery-ready communities throughout the nation for young people in, or seeking, recovery from addiction. YPR aims to improve access to treatment; educational resources; employment opportunities; and secure, stable housing that sustains young people in their recovery. All services are provided to the general public 100% free of charge. There are currently over 60 chapters in the United States and the District of Columbia.  YPR’s Los Angeles chapter has been active in the local recovery community since October 2014, providing social and service outlets for its members through the delivery of needed services (employment seminar, housing advocacy, education outreach) to those in need of support.

 Details of Execution Plan:
·        Service event will take place on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 8 am to 4 pm
o   8:00 am - Registration
o   8:30 am – Orientation
o   9:00 am – Preparation of planting area
o   12:00 pm – Lunch
o   1:00 pm – Planting
o   3:00 pm – Clean-up
o   4:00 pm - Closing

·        Work to be done by a combination of volunteers (YPR-Los Angeles) and residents of the facility
o   10+ volunteers
o   At least 10 residents
o   Project management provided by Shane Boyd (Landscape Architect), administration by Danielle Lowe (SHIELDS) and Ted Collins (YPR-Los Angeles)
o   (we're still looking for a DJ willing to donate time to keep the atmosphere fun and lively!)

·        The following resources will be required to pull of the event:
o        Plants & Soil
o        Tools & Equipment
o        Other Supplies
o        Food & Refreshments
o        Truck rental
o        Transportation to/from Compton 
o        T-shirts

Immediate Next Steps:
o        Raise $2,500 & procure required resources
o        Confirm 10+ volunteer attendance (DONE!)
o        Confirm DJ
o        Design and produce T-shirts
o        Arrange transportation

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY!