Quarterly Director’s Letter

I get asked, quite often, “Do you still enjoy what you do?” It’s a simple question and if you really strip it down to the bare bones, the simple answer is “Yes.” I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since I started my nonprofit career. Most of the years have been very fulfilling, mixed in with a few that made me question whether to stay in this field.

What motivated me in my first job was the opportunity to be a part of a team that wanted to provide a safe place for youth. I loved that job! Loved what I did and the people I worked with. We just clicked as a team. We had a common goal: be creative and allow youth to be leaders. This job has always been the gold standard for me.

To do my job well, I need to be connected to a purpose. That purpose gets me up every morning to fight through traffic to get here. Each day could be that breakthrough day. The work we do is hard. You have good days and crappy days. Oftentimes you have to dig deep and find someone or something to get you over the hump. If the purpose or passion is gone, it becomes just a job. I’ve had several staff in my years as a supervisor who felt they were burning out. I talked with them about what was causing the stress and if time or additional support could alleviate the burnout. After exercising different options, when things didn’t improve, I asked them if this was really what they want to do. I realized a long time ago that this work is not for everyone. So if you can’t draw upon the fire that connected you to the work, then the reality may be that it’s time to go. Whether it’s the work or the people you work with, it has to be a good match.

Looking back, I realize how fortunate I have been. I’ve been a part of many amazing programs and people. It hasn’t been all gravy but that’s what makes it great. Things don’t always go as planned. I’ve learned that I have to roll with the punches and be flexible and grow. Don’t be rigid and maintain that purpose or passion for what you do. I hope to work another 25 years in the nonprofit sector to experience successes and challenges. I want to continue to work with people whom I can connect with and who inspire me.

Yup, I still enjoy what I do.

-Sam Joo

What’s New

KYCC, LA Lakers, Tree People, CityPlants and EastWest Bank Plant Trees in West Adams

On April 2, KYCC Environmental Services partnered with the West Adams Neighborhood Association, TreePeople, the Los Angeles Lakers, City Plants, and EastWest Bank, to plant 29 trees in the West Adams neighborhood. Our partners brought in the Laker Girls, employees, friends, and family members to join in our event.

Ryan Allen demonstrated the first tree planting, welcoming “Katy,” a jacaranda sapling, with LA Lakers player Julius Randle. After planting their trees, volunteers joined in the TreePeople tradition, chanting “Trees need people! People need trees!” And welcoming newly planted trees with quirky names, such as “Swaggy Tree,” “Tree-Pain,” and ‘Green LaTreeFah.”

West Adams was the first neighborhood to participate in KYCC’s High Density Tree Planting Program supported by a grant through Cal Fire. Saturday’s 29 trees were the first of 160 to be planted in this neighborhood in April. After the trees are planted, KYCC will be able to maintain them for three years. The end result will be healthy trees well on their way to creating a densely canopied neighborhood.

Read more.

Clinical Services Discusses Excessive Smartphone Use on LA18

YDAPP Holds “High, It’s Me” Youth Conference

On March 19, KYCC’s Youth Drug Abuse Prevention Program (YDAPP) hosted the “High, It’s Me” Youth Conference at Vista Charter Middle School. Over 60 high school students attended the event to explore their identities and find natural ways of getting “high” through different forms of arts.

An assessment in 2012 showed that 50% of youth participants had access to various drugs from their peers. At the conference, YDAPP educated youth on methods to increase self-awareness and learn different means of self-expression through activities and workshops. Students learned the fundamentals of theater, dance, art and spoken word from experts in Los Angeles.

“My girls completely enjoyed it and would like to be a part of another conference,” said Brenda Villanueva, Prevention Specialist at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). “Their parents came up to me the next day talking about how much their daughters enjoyed and how much they learned and benefitted from it.”

Read more.

KYCC and John Burroughs Middle School Celebrate Partnership

CoPALM Holds Community Forum in East Hollywood

On March 16, the Coalition to Prevent Alcohol Related Harms in LA Metro (CoPalm) hosted a community forum, “East Hollywood in Action: Not One More Liquor Store” at Los Angeles City College. Over 60 people attended the event, which addressed the overconcentration of alcohol retailers in Los Angeles.

Read More.

New Hire

Departure

Employee Spotlight

Angela Jeong
Prevention Education  – Youth Development Specialist

Please tell me about yourself?
My friends usually refer to me as having been diagnosed with Napoleon Syndrome. It’s probably because of my loud personality that exudes from such a small stature. I’m probably the only person who thinks that wearing hot pink heels to work is okay. I love making intentional relationships and taking time to invest in individuals whom I want to learn from. I am NOT ashamed to say that Disney songs are a frequent playlist played in my car. In my spare time, I like to visit museums and watch musicals (I am a season pass holder at the Pantages Theater).

What do you love the most about your job?
I love working with the youth, but it’s still the most challenging part for me. Working with teenagers requires so much more than just teaching curriculum and facilitating meetings. In many cases, I am simultaneously their teacher, sister, friend and sometimes, mother. Knowing that I have an influence in their lives (positive or negative), I try to make a conscious effort to be intentional with every action and every word. Building them up to have good character, learn perseverance and increase hope is not on the job description, but it’s the most important part of the job. However, most of the time, they’re the ones that shape my character for the better.

What inspires you to do the work you do?
One of my inspirations comes from the community that we serve. Growing up, Koreatown had a bad reputation in my book. I never liked coming to Koreatown. Working at KYCC opened my eyes to see the diversity and different dynamics of this community and I learned to LOVE KOREATOWN. I want to continue preserving its beauty and help the beautiful people within!

What is your fondest memory to date of your time at KYCC?
My favorite memory of KYCC thus far was when PE unit held a small community cleanup at Vista Charter Middle School last year. Parents and students gathered to beautify the streets that their children and peers walk every day. The best part of this day was seeing adults guiding and working with children who weren’t their own. It was as if they became fathers and mothers to the children, teaching and taking care of them as a real parent would. It was, as Mr. Rogers would say  – a truly beautiful neighborhood.

As Youth Development Specialist, what would you consider your highest accomplishment thus far?
On March 19, 2016, I had the pleasure of organizing an all-day youth conference called “High, It’s Me.” We gathered 60+ participants from more than 10 youth groups and 7 different agencies to help increase self awareness and find positive ways to get their natural “highs.” Participants walked away knowing more about themselves and learning the different ways to express their identities through dance, theater, spoken word and art. My personal accomplishment came from being able to provide such a space to the youth in our community for FREE. Opportunities like this are so scarce and witnessing the positive influences it had on the participants made me proud of what I do. This would not have been possible without the right support and channels accessible through our agency. Go KYCC!!!!

Do you consider KYCC a special place if so, why?
To me, KYCC is my “first.” I have experienced a lot of “firsts” working here. First time working with a team, first time having lunch meetings, first time learning that coffee is a MUST for those moments when you want to take a break. I have made a lot of mistakes, but I learned to become a stronger professional through them. KYCC is and will forever be my first love.

Volunteer Spotlight

Andy Lim
BRIDGE President

Please tell me about yourself?
My name is Andy Lim. I am 18 years old and I am currently a senior at John Marshall High School. I was born in Seoul, Korea, but my family immigrated to California when I was 2. I joined the Crossroads Middle School Program at KYCC when I was in 6th grade, and have stayed with KYCC since then.

What’s your first memory of Wilton or KYCC?
I remember everyone being really friendly and trying to talk to me on my first day. Unfortunately, I was (and sometimes still am) very shy and didn’t really open up until about a month had passed.

What do you think makes KYCC /KYCC staff special?
To me, KYCC is special because it was the place where I was able not only to be myself, but also to learn about and better myself as a person. KYCC’s staff has always been very supportive and I am who I am today because of all their help.

Tell us about being president for Bridge, what do you like about it? how has it helped you as a person to be given the privilege and responsibility?
Being the president of BRIDGE is very difficult. I work closely with my co-president, Jenny, and my vice president, Justin, to keep track of not only our volunteers, but also the children we work with. We also have to make sure that our program is running smoothly, as we try our best to patch up any mistakes we make and overcome any obstacles we encounter. Although it’s a very difficult job, I thoroughly enjoy it. The responsibility and privileges that come with being the president of BRIDGE has allowed me to grow as a person and gain leadership skills along with experience.

Why do you volunteer at KYCC?
Initially, I began volunteering at KYCC because I thought it was the obvious choice. I could no longer be a part of the Middle School Program once I entered high school, but I wanted to stay with KYCC. I had also heard that volunteering during high school was mandatory. As a result, I began volunteering for LEAD (Leaders in Enrichment and Academic Development) as a freshman until it merged with TEAM (Tutoring, Enrichment and Mentoring) to create BRIDGE in my junior year of high school. Now, I volunteer to give back and help not only the children we work with, but also the other volunteers, and help them become respectful and responsible members of the community.

What are some long-term goals or plans?
Currently, I plan on attending one of the UCs and majoring in applied mathematics or computer science so that I can become an engineer. I enjoy working with computers and hope to work in that field. In the distant future, I plan to kind of go back to my roots at KYCC and try teaching.

Please finish the sentence: To me KYCC means…
To me, KYCC means a second, ever-growing family. KYCC is the place where I can be myself and gain all kinds of support from everyone. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I had never joined in 6th grade.

Community News

A 31-story high-rise is coming to Lafayette Park, the first of several plans to continue market-rate apartment developments on Wilshire Blvd.

Want a burger patty “topped with bacon jam, mushrooms, Taleggio cheese and crispy onion strings on a ciabatta bun?” This is not the stuff of dreams, you can get one in Koreatown now.

An elderly woman was struck and killed walking on a crosswalk on the busy intersection of Olympic and Serrano.

Koreatown was “feeling the Bern” in March. Bernie Sanders kicked off California campaign in Koreatown at the Wiltern theater!

KYCC Staff’s Favorite Food Spot(light)

Roll Roll Roll
3675 Wilshire Blvd (Wilshire & Hobart)

Ever wanted sushi but thought twice because of price and how long it would take? This sushi restaurant is the place for you! This sushi spot is designed as an express eatery. Pick up boxes of deliciously fresh rolls from the display, head to the cash register and pay! Or better yet, order their special rolls ahead for an even faster checkout! And the best part, most rolls are under $10!

Submitted by: Jessica Figueroa, Youth Services

Cuisine: Japanese Sushi

What do you like about this restaurant? Prices

Check out more staff favorites here. Do you have a favorite restaurant? Submit it here.

Birthdays and KYCC Anniversaries

Open Positions

Have some talented and driven friends? Let them know about our open positions.

• Admin – Personnel Officer
• PE – Community Organizer
• KT – Kids Town Director
• ES – Outreach Specialist
• ES – Community Engagement Coordinator
• ES – Energy Conservation Trainee
• CS – Counselor III
• YS – Academic Assistant Instructor

Take Note!

When You See Workplace Bullying

Research shows that co-workers who witness bullying in the workplace are more likely to leave before the victimized worker does. This sheds light on one cost of bullying: turnover. Make it a rule to take appropriate steps to intervene or bring management’s attention to a bullying situation. The talent drain you help prevent might be your own. Be proactive when it comes to helping discourage discrimination, harassment, disrespect, and bullying behaviors. It’s called being a “change agent.” Peer influence is a powerful dynamic for change and the key force for helping maintain a positive work culture. Consider stepping in, not out, when you witness disrespect. For more information on workplace bullying, check this website.