L.A. Works Thanks it's Project Leaders

L.A. Works Makes it Easy to Volunteer in Los Angeles

We Salute our Project Leaders
December, 2004

Project Leader of the Month

Jacquie Moreno

Some new project leaders with L.A. Works tip-toe into their leadership roles -- and others, like this month's Project Leader of the Month - Jacquie Moreno --plunge in with both feet! It's rare to find a new Project Leader with the drive that Jacquie has demonstrated!

Jacquie has become enormously active with L.A. Works, leading a wide variety of projects including our Teamworks project at Alegria, AVIVA, Angel’s Flight, AIDS Project LA, Culver Assisted Living and Union Rescue Mission.

Who is this dynamo of good will? We asked Jacquie to tell us a bit about herself and her volunteerism:

"I was born in Silver Spring, MD and grew up in a rural community outside of Frederick, MD. Always knowing that I was a city person at heart, I chose to attend New York University, where I studied a variety of subjects that led to my eventual major in Psychology. After graduation, I spent three glorious years making my way in New York City and traveling as an Event Manager for sporting events around the country. Longing for a change of pace, I decided to relocate to Los Angeles. I quickly began to crave a more connected existence. In my search for ways to grow roots in my community, I stumbled upon L.A. Works.

I began volunteering with L.A. Works about a year ago. I was missing my niece and nephews and initially felt drawn to the projects involving small children. My introductory project was at the Angel Guardian shelter and it was a fantastic experience - the first of many. I discovered that L.A. Works offers an array of wonderful opportunities to serve. One of my goals became to try each of them at least once. I have volunteered at AVIVA, the Center for Non-Violent Education and Parenting, Culver Assisted Living, Good Shepherd Mother-Child Residence, the Environmental Education Garden, PetSave, Project Angel Food, Union Rescue Mission, as well as the LA River Cleanup and LA Times Festival of Books.

My first encounter with volunteering was at a soup kitchen when I was in high school. I remember so many of the clients thanking the group for giving of their time and for the warm smiles they gave, along with the hot meals they served. Some of the volunteers and patrons were shier than others, some of them didn’t know how to express themselves and just moved along quietly. But, the overall sense was one of appreciation, of combining energies and working toward a common good. It was such a great feeling. I volunteer because I care about my family, my friends, my community and the world at large. I know that we all experience need in our lives, whether it be for clothing and food, or compassion and love. Each of us has something to give to another. All we have to do is recognize our own power and make a decision to do something positive with it.

As a Project Leader, I am grateful for the chance to help others, while helping others to help others. As long as Project Leaders maintain the awareness that we can facilitate a really special experience through our commitment to and organization of a project, we are on the right track. My objective is to make way for the volunteers to become truly involved in the work and to understand the value of their contribution and their impact on social issues. Hopefully that will encourage them to continue to seek out service opportunities."

We applaud the incredible energy and depth of Jacquie's enthusiasm as a volunteer and a Project Leader. It's heartwarming to see someone so willing to help and give freely of herself. Thanks Jacquie -- for the many projects we are able to offer each month through your tireless and fearless service!

This Month's Project Leaders

Thanks to all of our Project Leaders who are leading projects during the month of December.

You are the real leaders in our community! The Staff & Board of Directors of L.A. Works thanks you for being the real superstars of our community!

Amy Meiners
Andrew Abeyesinghe
April Fields
Bobbi Marin
Cindy Finocchi
Cynde Knerr
David Bloome
David Trilling
Deborah Spector
Dustin Manhart
Ed Simon
Genane Maalouf
Helga Hung
Henry Meyer
Howard Weiner
Jacquie Moreno
Jay Ross
Joan Bang
Laura Bonilla
Lisa Reed
Luis De Avila
Marc Weinberg
Margaret Conway
Meghan Lee
Michael Hicks
Russell Ali
Sandy Boscarino
Sarah Boyd
Suzanne Studer Iselt
Suzanne Wiener
Teresa Castelli
Thomas Hoctor
Timothy Dickey
Viet Hoang

Want to join the ranks of L.A.'s most involved citizens? Become an L.A. Works Project Leader.

It's easy, it's fun, and it doesn't require a huge amount of your time.

Go to the Courses section of the website and sign up for Project Leader Training or call Natalie at 323-224-6510 to find out the date of the next session.

Past Project Leaders Of the Month

November, 2004 - Timothy Dickey and Howard Weiner

October, 2004 - Russell Ali

September, 2004 - Suzanne Wiener

August, 2004 - Veronica Cruz

July, 2004 - Margaret Conway

June, 2004 - Ellen Dugas

May, 2004 - Luis de Avila

April, 2004 - Mandana Dayani

Mar, 2004 - Cindy Finocchi

Feb, 2004 - Viet Hoang

Jan, 2004 - Teresa Castelli

Dec. 2003 - Mary Lawler

Nov. 2003 - Jose Valencia