What:
Young people ages 16 to 24 in the Los Angeles foster care system will now have increased access to career-focused programs, healthy-living support services, stable housing options and more — thanks to a $1 million grant from United Airlines to My First Place, a local nonprofit program.
Why It Matters:
When a company shows that it cares for more than its bottom line, everyone wins. Multibillion-dollar corporations such as United have the potential to positively impact the communities they serve. From this investment alone, foster care support services in L.A. will reach up to 50 percent more at-risk youth. Hopefully, the airline’s generosity will inspire others to give back, too.
Fast Facts:
- The $1 million investment will be put in place over the next four years.
- United plans to work closely with the local organization — in addition to city and community leadership — to create sustainable advancements.
- This announcement is a fifth in a series of news from United, which is making investments in all its domestic hub markets. Each grant is part of a total of $8 in funds meant to address issues in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark/New York and Washington, D.C.
What They Are Saying:
"As California's global airline, United cares deeply about investing in the state's future," said Janet Lamkin, president for California at United. "Los Angeles County is home to one-third of California's foster youth and we are proud to help First Place target growth in high-needs areas of the community, like South Los Angeles, and help ensure California's youth have increased access to high-quality programs that lead to employment in a wide variety of fields, including aviation."
"We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of United Airlines as they expand their impact in Los Angeles,” said Hellen Hong, interim CEO and chief regional officer at First Place for Youth. “With this investment, First Place will support more than 650 young people who grew up in foster care, helping them move into their first apartment, make progress in school and secure jobs that lead to living-wage careers. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential in life."
"Everyone deserves access to the opportunity to earn a paycheck and succeed, especially our most vulnerable young people," said Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles. "Through our HIRE LA's Youth program, partners like United Airlines and First Place for Youth are helping our young people find jobs, start careers and realize their dreams."
The Details
United Airlines
www.united.com
