LifeSTEPS Celebrates Families   

 
Gateway Apartments January 29th
 

LifeSTEPS gratefully acknowledges Las Palmas Housing, ConAm Management and Buckingham Property Management for their support and contributions that helped to make the LifeSTEPS Celebrates Families event possible.  A special thanks as well to LifeSTEPS District Manager Liza Trujillo.

Starting Out with a Bang!

So far this year LifeSTEPS has been awarded $32,315 in fundraising revenue.  We are honored to have received support from Westamerica Bank and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for our youth education programs.  Additionally,  California Communications Access Foundation (CCAF)  has awarded us $25,000 to place computer equipment in 25 senior communities.  CCAF is a non-profit corporation that specializes in improving access to telecommunications services for people with disabilities and other traditionally underserved populations.  Stay tuned for more on that project!

In 2010, LifeSTEPS fundraising efforts paid off for the more than 50,000 individuals we serve at 172 affordable housing communities.  In-kind donations totaled over $760,000 and came in the form of pantry and perishable food items, gift cards, holiday gifts, books, toys and school supplies from various sources.  LifeSTEPS is working to increase the value of in-kind donations in 2011 so that resident needs can be met at an even greater level.

More than 330 individuals received direct assistance that enabled them to eat more nutritious meals, experience greater mobility, drive safer cars, and enjoy more secure housing.   LifeSTEPS gave $116,589 in aid to equip these individuals with medical equipment, grocery gift cards, car repairs, and rental assistance. This relief was made possible through generous contributions from Change a Life Foundation, McCarthy Family Foundation, U.S. Bank, private donors and LifeSTEPS Employee Giving.  Going into 2011, LifeSTEPS has over $100,000 ready to help even more clients.  Our Directors of Social Service are out in your communities today looking for ways to bring new ideas, hope and educational opportunities that will encourage clients. 

The Gift of Site and Security 

Carla has lived at the Heritage Park Apartments for two years. She works as a night guard for a local casino and lives on a very modest income.  Carla is only 57 years old so she does not qualify for Social Security or Medicare yet. About a year ago, Carla was diagnosed with cataracts and informed that she would need surgery. Carla started saving money, but unfortunately her eyesight deteriorated quickly, quicker than most people according to her doctor. She could not save money fast enough and soon she became legally blind. Carla contacted the LifeSTEPS Director of Social Services (DSS) and explained her condition. She was overwhelmed with fear and frustration. Not only was she faced with physical challenges, she was also at risk of losing her financial security.  

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Lights on After School

In October 2010, LifeSTEPS joined over 7,500 after school programs across the nation to celebrate and send a collective message to keep the "lights on after school." Lights on After School is a national celebration sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance. In support of this event, the Empire State Building in New York and the historic Lindbergh Beacon atop City Hall in Los Angeles were illuminated to emphasize the importance of keeping the lights on after school as a way to keep youth safe, promote learning, increase the health and skill-building of youth, and support working families.

Hundreds of youth lit up with excitement during this event held at many of LifeSTEPS' multi-family affordable housing communities throughout California. The children were eager to help promote public awareness of how after school programs help them overcome the challenges they face in their lives. Among our special guests was Officer Ruvalcaba of the Huron Police Department who encouraged parents to enroll their children in programs, such as the LifeSTEPS After School program, as a way to discourage involvement in gangs and other risky behavior. Writing projects, arts and crafts, and contests were part of the fun. Each project focused on the importance of keeping our young people safe and encouraged.  

Holiday Cheer

Once again, thanks to the generous staff at USA Properties Fund, Inc., USA United, Vintage Woods Golden Girls, Activity Committee, and residents, many families living in affordable housing in the Sacramento area were touched by the spirit of giving this past holiday season.  Staff and residents contributed their time and finances to put smiles on the faces of 68 residents.  Some families received traditional holiday meals at Thanksgiving or Christmas, while others were given thoughtfully wrapped gifts hand selected for each family member.   What an honor it is for LifeSTEPS to help carry out this tradition by delivering gifts and getting to witness the expressions of joy, relief and gratitude.

  
 The Vintage Woods Golden Girls  

2010 Adopt-a-Family recipients

Thank You to Target! 

As a Target Grant Recipient, LifeSTEPS was invited to attend Target's annual Community Celebration.  The event was held October 11th at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.  LifeSTEPS Regional Directors Maydy Bran-Orona and Zoila Parodi attended to help celebrate our partnership with Target, which enables LifeSTEPS to create stronger, more vibrant communities.  To date, LifeSTEPS has received $28,000 from Target to support reading programs in 16 communities throughout the state.

In December, a portion of these funds was used to support Winter Family Reading Nights for the Casa Bella, Casa Grande, Bella Vista and Casa La Paz properties.  Children read aloud from the classic The Night Before Christmas and other holiday favorites.  Parents and friends were delighted to see their child's improved confidence while reading.  As a special gift, each child received a new holiday book for their home library and to encourage reading as a fun family activity.  LifeSTEPS looks forward to even more events for youth with a focus on reading thanks to the generous support we have received from Target.

NEW PROPERTIES

In 2010, LifeSTEPS began delivering service to 36 new sites. We are excited to extend our partnerships and expand our reach. Today, we have 172 properties throughout the state, serving over 50,000 residents.

One of our new properties - Andalucia Heights Apartments by AMCAL is a 75 unit multi-family affordable housing community located in Los Angeles.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

LifeSTEPS is proud to announce  Lusine Gambaryan as our February Employee of the Month.  Lusine is a LifeSTEPS Director of Social Services working in the Los Angeles region.  She has a "can do" attitude, is passionate about the LifeSTEPS' mission, and gives a 200% effort each day.  She has a special gift of building community with affordable housing residents. They immediately embrace her and welcome her because of her compassionate heart. Residents continuously express how loving, caring and warm she is towards them, allowing them to feel like they are important and a special part of the community.  Lusine also is a very important member of the LifeSTEPS After School Curriculum team, researching and writing innovative programs each month that will inspire and motivate youth.  Thank you to Lusine for her energy, creativity, and love for LifeSTEPS!