During this season of giving thanks, we recognize that some among us have little to celebrate during the holidays. I know you care, which is why I want to share a meaningful way to help some of the most underserved and forgotten people in our community who are struggling to find affordable housing, finish college (some live in their cars), secure jobs, pay rent, and are eager to improve their lives.
You may know WE LIFT LA for our work helping former foster youth move forward after aging out of foster care. This year, we have increased our focus on enabling formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into their communities through education (70% of the inmates in the California prison system are former foster youth). This benefits our entire community because the rate of recidivism (return to prison) is high when released inmates lack affordable housing, money, food, and jobs. That is why we now partner with Project Rebound at California State University, Northridge.
Project Rebound is a highly respected program established in 1967 at San Francisco State University within the Cal State University system that supports higher education and the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals.
WE LIFT LA assists with comprehensive programs that offer academic, financial, and personal support to help individuals secure affordable housing, along with career development assistance, because much of this support is not budgeted at CSUN. Given the difficulty of finding affordable housing, especially in Los Angeles, we assist with rental applications and help with deposits, and first and last month’s rent. We also assist with university applications and enrollment, as well as navigating the complexities of financial aid. Additionally, we support basic needs and offer personal guidance and encouragement. These programs have significantly reduced recidivism rates to an average of 1% in the communities they serve.
I would like to tell you about just one of the many special Project Rebound students.
JOSE ROSALES is a Global Supply Chain Management major at CSUN, an honors student who has also given back to his community. However, he has faced a year of crisis: a stroke, three brain surgeries, and the passing of his wife. He is still struggling with health issues. Through perseverance, he is doing very well in his rehabilitation. He needs urgent help as he struggles with debt and the threat of losing his apartment at the end of December. WE LIFT LA is working closely with Jose, clearing up some of his student loans so he can return to CSUN in January and graduate in May of 2026.
We need your help to LIFT Project Rebound students from crisis to success!
Your support for WE LIFT LA can make a difference. Please help transform a life today!
Best wishes for the holidays!
Joyce Harmon
Here are some of the ways you can help:
WE LIFT LA, picking up where Work of Angeles left off, has empowered emancipated foster youth since 2006. Founder Joyce Harmon is driven by the ultimate purpose of serving as a critical safety net for those who have been forgotten.
Through our collaboration with Project Rebound, we ensure successful community reentry that not only empowers individuals but also guarantees safer, more just communities via job creation and recidivism reduction.
After two decades incarcerated, Garret Eiferman earned multiple AA degrees and graduated from CSUN with a Psychology degree. He is now pursuing a master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and will work closely with WE LIFT LA to assist students in navigating our programs.
“WE LIFT LA has changed my life. It has provided me with mentorship. It has helped me identify myself. Before, if you’d asked me to describe who I am, I wouldn’t have known how to respond. Today, because of WLLA, I know who I am, what my strengths are, and that I can reach my potential. Bulmaro has graduated from CSUN with a law degree and is working in an attorney’s office.”
Global Supply Management major Jose Rosales has faced a year of crisis: a stroke, three brain surgeries, and the passing of his wife. Now struggling with debt and the threat of losing his home, this honors student needs urgent help. WE LIFT LA is clearing the path for his return to CSUN in January.
Angel missed a lot of school growing up, mostly living on the streets, but with the help of WE LIFT LA he finally got his GED.
“I thank God for putting you in my life … I wish you could tell everyone’s story of success in a world that limits people like me.”
-Angel
Your donation provides the critical support that transforms lives and reduces recidivism. Formerly incarcerated students, who already face significant barriers like securing housing and transportation, dramatically succeed when given the chance to pursue higher education. Your generosity directly supplies housing, essential meals, reliable transportation, and emergency aid, removing obstacles so these determined individuals can focus on their studies.
Our vision is clear, and our mission is strong. If your heart is as touched as ours by the lives of these overlooked and devastatingly underserved population, we invite you to join us in giving them the opportunity to make it in life. Your financial gift, no matter how large or small, makes it possible for us to change lives. If you could find it within your heart to give financially to our cause, we can make a difference in the lives of these students.
Your support is truly appreciated.
WE LIFT LA is a 501 (c)(3) organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible.
