L.A. stories of inspiration and success

L.A. stories of inspiration and success


EWDD Finalist in EDA $! Billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge
EWDD was part of a coalition led by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) that was recently selected as one of 60 finalists for the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) $1 Billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant. The grant is intended to accelerate the nation's economic recovery from COVID-19 by building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks.

Phase 1 of the Build Back Better challenge invited coalitions to

Tyler gained temporary employment and on-the-job training in wildfire prevention through the California Employment Development Department (EDD) National Dislocated Workers Grant (NDWG)
Tyler arrived early for his first day at orientation, determined and excited that he would soon be able to start his temporary job. He said that he had been going through a rough time recently and was hoping this temporary outdoor employment opportunity would be beneficial and help him make a positive change in his life.

Tyler had always been a dedicated and hard worker in his previous

Los Angeles City Council District 8 staff, WLCAC BSR Alphonso Reed with the owner of Trillum Drivers at the South LA Job Fair on November 18, 2021
More than 110 job seekers connected with over 30 employers searching for qualified candidates at the South Los Angeles Job Fair on November 18, 2021.

In partnership with the Office of Councilmember Marqueece-Harris Dawson (CD8) and Councilmember Joe Buscaino (CD15), the event was held at the Southeast LA

Boyle Heights Technology YouthSource Center participants with their program certificates
The Boyle Heights Technology YouthSource Center (YSC) provides ongoing job training and certification programs to help youth increase their chances of finding living-wage jobs.

The "Tech" helped youth participants complete several

Jesse, a Boyle Heights Technology YouthSource Center participant, receiving his boots and on his father's construction job
Boyle Heights Technology YouthSource Center (YSC) participant Jesse recently graduated from high school and he was determined to get into California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). He said that earning safety training certifications in OSHA 10 and Post COVID-19 Awareness Training and Cal/OSHA Confined Spaces helped prepare him for entering the workforce.

"Earning my

Jose Luis Gutierrez, owner of Image Limousine
The West Valley BusinessSource Center (BSC) helped Jose Luis Gutierrez, owner of Image Limousine, successfully obtain grants and loans to keep his business afloat during COVID-19.

Jose held different jobs until he felt comfortable enough to start his own business. In 2006, Jose took the leap and launched his own company.

Skylar successfully completed Class A Transport Training through the L.A. Rise Program
EWDD is a leadership team partner of the Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE). This innovative, collaborative partnership unites the City and County of Los Angeles' Workforce Development System (WDS) with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help individuals with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed.

After serving 12 years in prison, Skylar,

Ms. Parra, a LARCA 2.0 Program participant
EWDD administers the jobs and education program for the City's Gang Injunction Curfew Settlement, also known as the Los Angeles Reconnections Career Academy (LARCA) 2.0. The program provides benefits to settlement members, including free job training, tuition assistance and tattoo removal. The benefits can also be transferred to immediate family members.

Ms. Parra enrolled in the LARCA 2.0 Program in 2020. She struggled with

LA:RISE participant Michelle in her permanent position as a Call Center Coordinator and Case Manager at the Center for Living and Learning
EWDD is a leadership team partner of the Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE). This innovative, collaborative partnership unites the City and County of Los Angeles' Workforce Development System (WDS) with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help individuals with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed. LA:RISE participant Michelle shares her inspirational story about overcoming addiction and getting her life on a stable path.

“For five years, I struggled with addiction. I believe I was lost for a really long time. I often

Dr. Nana Afoh-Manin created Shared Harvest, a non-profit that provides individuals opportunities to ease the financial burden of student loan debts
With guidance from the Los Angeles Cleanteach Incubator (LACI) Founders Business Accelerator program, Dr. Nana Afoh-Manin established Shared Harvest, a non-profit that provides individuals opportunities to ease the financial burden of student loan debts.

Dr. Nana was part of the first cohort of the program and she credits it with helping her navigate resources, connecting her with a strong and supportive entrepreneurial network, and exposing her to a

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