A Million Drops Learning Center

Hi,

My name is Maike Both. I am the founding director of A Million Drops , a Los Angeles based 501(c)(3) making a difference in the lives of homeless, young adults.

For four years, members of the A Million Drops team have cruised the streets of Hollywood on foot or by car, looking for young people in need to provide them with toiletries, socks and sleeping bags, and inviting them to our monthly Free Laundry Nights. 

So we can do more than maintaining the status quo, we took a big step. On Saturday, June 9, 2018 we opened the A Million Drops Learning Center where we provide struggling young adults with a safe, quiet space to regain balance and self-improve. 

Our logo, created by illustrator April Seymour

At the A Million Drops Learning Center, growth is promoted by encouraging communication, studying and taking on responsibilities. We offer a free in-house library, art supplies and two laptops for research and learning. All materials and furniture were kindly donated by our generous supporters.

Two of our guests playing chess

The A Million Drops Learning Center is currently open Mondays through Fridays from 2-6 pm with the goal to extent the hours. Teachers are volunteering their time, and our classes include Self Defense, Art, Graphic Design and Stretching. In the near future, we plan to offer Stress Management, Budgeting and Nutrition. Other topics, like Tai Chi, Dance and Movie Nights, are on our visitors' wish list.

Using our laptops and books to study

Brian discovered an unknown talent

Graphic Design Class with teacher Scott

We also started to grow an Edible Garden that is being taken care of by members of the homeless community. The first tomatoes and squash are beginning to show, and we are looking forward to cooking together and sharing meals once the first harvest is in.

Our manager Craig watering the veggies

To ensure that the A Million Drops Learning Center can be open five days a week, two of our regulars, Jason and Craig, have been made manager. Together, they are in charge of overseeing the Learning Center during business hours, and it's a joy to see how much they care. Just to give you one example, the other day I stopped by and Jason had put out plates with cookies he had bought with his own money. That put a big smile on my face.  :-)

Jason puts his heart into managing the Learning Center

We have an average of 15 visitors each day. Within a few minutes of them entering the Learning Center, you can see the stress melt away from their faces. They begin to look more relaxed, they smile and start talking, about their days, and eventually, about ideas. In less than two months, A Million Drops has already been able to make a difference in their lives.
  
We have saved up enough money to pay rent until September. To be able to keep our doors open for another six months, we are asking for $12,000. This amount will cover rent including utilities and WiFi, as well as use of the garden, banquet hall, bathrooms and parking lot.

If you love what we do, we urge you to show your support by making a donation towards our goal. Small or large, any amount will help, and we can't do it without you!  

Thank you with all my heart - Maike Both, Founding Director of A Million Drops

A Million Drops is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and your donations are tax deductible.