Dear Friends,
These last six months have seen an unparalleled attack on our mission to improve the quality of life for youth and young adults throughout California.
From the banning of diversity, equity and inclusion policies at the federal level, to the defunding of major educational and workforce initiatives, to the unprecedented deportation raids on communities, to the military occupation in Los Angeles, this administration seeks to shatter economic mobility and impart fear for all.
For much of my professional life, I have intensely focused on building stronger communities, building pathways to opportunities, and promoting hope for a better future. Without a doubt, there is an intentional drive to weaken local communities, remove opportunities by disinvestment, and crush the dreams of young people—especially those who are first generation immigrants.
Despite this devastating reality, my faith in our country remains. Through collective efforts in our local communities, we will weather these attacks and emerge stronger. While our governing institutions might be shaken, they will not be toppled. Democracy and humanitarian ideals will prevail.
The spirit of community is evident every day in Los Angeles as leaders peacefully resist through exercising their first amendment rights, through lawsuits in the courts, and through mutual assistance.
Today, thousands of workers have been impacted by the ICE raids as car washes, street vendors, and local merchants have been forced to close due to widespread fear. While these times are gut-wrenching, we will not quit. There is strength in numbers. There is strength in caring for your fellow neighbors with the understanding that if one of us aches, then we all experience the pain.
Join New Ways In Supporting These Families
On behalf of the Board of Directors, New Ways will be donating $5,000 to each of these organizations. I hope you can join me in supporting these families through these mutual aid and direct response organizations.
LA Street Vendor Campaign: Learn About & Donate
Fuereza Fund: Alliance for a Better Community: Learn About & Donate
CLEAN Car Wash Worker Solidarity Fund: Learn About | Donate
Support for Day Laborers and Garment Workers IDEPSCA: Learn About & Donate
If you are interested in assisting, please consider donating to local Los Angeles based organizations who provide direct assistance. Your generosity can immediately support impacted families to help cover food, rent, and necessities as these discriminatory acts force peaceful Angelenos to abandon wages in search of safety and security.
In solidarity, RS
