L.A. Works Thanks it's Project Leaders

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

We Salute our Project Leaders
October, 2005

Project Leader of the Month

Joan Bang

This month we'd like to salute Joan Bang, a Project Leader who, while active with L.A. works for nearly ten years, has been leading projects with a renewed vigor this year. Joan has been jumping in and picking up projects right and left, and is leading the charge of recognizing the needs for volunteer projects that bring companionship and activities to Seniors. We urged Joan to tell us her story:

“Joan Bang” is my name! I've been volunteering with L.A. Works since I was a high school sophomore in 1996. Nearly a decade ago, I was introduced to L.A. Works through the school’s Earth Club. One of my favorite projects was the Habitat for Humanity that L.A. Works helped organize! After the Earth Club experience, I formed my own club, the Community Service Club (talk about creativity in establishing its name!). When I joined UCLA Golden Key, I became the Community Service Chair; and, at the same time, I decided to become a project leader with L.A. Works to assist students in finding more volunteer opportunities. I find volunteering to be a fun and fulfilling experience. I met some of my good friends (including Dustin Manhart and Bobbi Marin) through L.A. Works.

Growing up in the Chinatown environment definitely had shaped me into who I am today. Avoiding gang bangers and robbers has led to the need of forming alliances with close friends and increasing desires to succeed in the future. And today, I am working with Bank of America Business Capital with the position of Client Manger in less than 2 years of full-time experience. This accomplishment was not a smooth road. In obtaining this accomplishment, I received many support from others who were willing to give – their words of wisdom, their honesty, and their shoulders when I needed them. No matter how busy I am, I always find time to volunteer and give back (time management is the magic!). I continued my volunteering because it is my way to give back to the community and to help others that are reaching out and wanting a helping hand.

Although I really enjoy working with children, recently I've been leading more projects involving seniors. I realized that from working with seniors, volunteers may gain as much knowledge from working with children. Seniors have gone through nearly a whole life experience and have many stories to share. Listening to their war stories, family histories, or even their children, volunteers can definitely learn and enjoy! After all, seniors have the wisdom!

A tip to my fellow project leaders: always bring family members and friends to your volunteer events (even if you have to wake up your siblings and roommates!), because you never know whether you may need more volunteers!

I definitely encourage everyone to volunteer! It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s a darn good experience! Have fun volunteering everyone!"

We urge more volunteers to follow Joan's lead and seek out our projects with Seniors. These folks really yearn for the company and companionship that L.A. Works volunteers provide. Here's a sampling of Senior Projects that need your help!

Senior Social at Culver Village Retirement Assisting Living - 2nd Saturday of each month.

Senior Social at Hallmark Cheviot Hills Assisted Living - 3rd Saturday of each month.

Senior Outing & Interaction at Alexandria Care Center (Los Feliz) - 4th Saturday of each month.

Senior Interaction - Arts & Crafts at Alhambra Convalescent Home - 1st Sunday of each month.

Joan, thanks for your tireless efforts on behalf of Seniors and the many other folks that your projects serve! We appreciate your leadership and commitment!

This Month's Project Leaders

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

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
Bobbi Marin
Bryan Kadatani
Cindy Goss
Clarence Smith
Colleen Gately
Cynde Knerr
David Bloome
David Trilling
Dinah Posner
Ed Simon
Elvin Albino
Emily Barclay
Gil Gerstein
Hal Christensen
Heidi Pickman
Helga Hung
Henry Meyer
Howard Weiner
Jacquie Moreno
Jay Ross
Jesse Perez-Fraga
Karsten Loose
Kathryn Perez-Fraga
Kristen Yolas
Luis De Avila
Margaret Comstock
Mark Kimura
Mary Lawler
Mia Farrell
Michael Hicks
Sandy Boscarino
Suzanne Wiener
Teresa Castelli
Timothy Dickey
Veronica Cruz
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 Project Calendar section of the website and sign up for Project Leader Training or email Larry Deckel to find out the date of the next session.

Past Project Leaders Of the Month

September, 2005 - Kat and Jesse Perez-Fraga

August, 2005 - Bryan Kadatoni

July, 2005 - Ken Hagopian

June, 2005 - Laura Bonilla

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