L.A. Works Thanks it's Project Leaders

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

We Salute our Project Leaders
June, 2005

Project Leader of the Month

Laura Bonilla

Laura Bonilla is one of our great "utility" project leaders who willingly steps in wherever she's needed. Whenever we have a project in danger of cancellation, Laura finds the time to lend a hand.

We asked Laura to tell us a bit about herself and her involvement with L.A. Works:

"I am originally from Costa Rica and came to the U.S. 22 years ago. After spending a successful career in Information Technology as a Development Manager, the "Universe" pushed me to pursue my true purpose. I am a Spiritual and Life Counselor and Certified Hypnotherapist. I work with people uncovering their true powers which lie within. It is so rewarding to help people eliminate false beliefs and improve their lives. I'm so blessed!

I started with L.A. Works after my Agape Church in Culver City joined L.A. Works Day in June of 1997. I joined L.A. Works immediately and became a Project Leader soon after. It has been a life-transforming experience for me.

Throughout the years, I have lead most projects offered by L.A. Works, including: Animal interaction at Amanda, Food on Foot food distribution, Arts and Crafts at Good Shepherd, Midnight Mission, Manicure Fun at Hawkes, L.A. Mission, Union Rescue, Bethesda House, Gramercy Place, Gibson's Center, Ballona Stewards cleanup, PetSave, Zuma Lagoon cleanup, Games and Stories at Alegria.

Currently, I have "adopted" the Senior Interaction at Alexandria Care Center project, where once a month, we take a group of residents shopping to a nearby 99 Cent store, by pushing their wheelchairs - We get to cross Sunset Blvd, it's a lovely scene!

I have learned that the type of project that I lead does not matter. What matters is the attitude that one takes to the project. I feel very grateful to this wonderful city of Los Angeles, and whether I lead a project with kids, seniors, animals, or for the environment, I go in a state of gratitude, for all the blessings in my life. I go to each project knowing that we are all connected, and that by the end of our lives, it does not matter what we have accomplished or accumulated, but what really matters is what hearts we have touched, one person at a time.”

One person at a time, Laura has made a vital difference in our community. You'll find Laura leading projects at L.A. Works Day, and she's apt to pop up leading any of our 50+ projects each month. Thanks Laura for your continued service and leadership!

This Month's Project Leaders

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

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!

Andrew Abeyesinghe
Aniko Alexovics
Bobbi Marin
Bryan Kadatani
Charity Gardner
Cindy Finocchi
Clarence Smith
Cynde Knerr
David Bloome
David Trilling
Ed Simon
Ellen Hoctor
Henry Meyer
Jacquie Moreno
Jay Ross
Julie Anne O'Neill
Kathryn Perez-Fraga
Ken Hagopian
KimLoan Ha
Kristen Yolas
Laura Bonilla
Lori Kneser
Luis De Avila
Mark Kimura
Mary Lawler
Mia Farrell
Michael Hicks
Sandy Boscarino
Teresa Castelli
Veronica Cruz

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

May, 2005 - Alexa Benson

April, 2005 - April Fields

March, 2005 - Mia Farrell

February, 2005 - Sandy Boscarino

January, 2005 - Andrew Anura Abeyesinghe

December, 2004 - Jacquie Moreno

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