May 2018
A Note From Our CEO
Dear IHADLA Community,

Having just concluded my first three months as the new CEO /Executive Director, I would like to introduce myself to those of you I haven’t had a chance to meet yet. I am a former entertainment industry executive who has been a board member of IHADLA for the past three years. I was honored when the IHADLA Board asked me to take the helm of this incredible organization at the end of last year.

IHADLA’s mission of providing long-term academic, emotional, and experiential support to children and youth living in under-resourced communities is one that is near and dear to my heart. Educating our youth gives them greater opportunities when they become young adults, enables them to realize their full potential, and helps break the cycle of poverty.

Our students show me every day that our programs are working: 100% of our Inglewood high school seniors are graduating this spring; and 86% are continuing with post-secondary education. Our successes would not be possible without our amazing program coordinators who work day-in and day-out on the ground with our incredible students.

What does the future hold? My goal is to roll out new programs every year so that we can support even more students. 

I look forward to getting to know all of you and working together to make our goals a reality.

Sincerely,
Pamela Miller
Goodbye to Our Logo: We Have a New Look!
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Over the coming weeks, we will be transitioning away from the above logo and using the one you see at the top of this newsletter instead. You can keep your eyes peeled for other exciting changes as well, such as a new and improved website. We can't wait to share our new look with you!

Help us to congratulate our students on completing another successful academic year! Your gift will go toward an end of year celebration to commemorate the close of the 2017-2018 school year and other programming that supports our students.

Dreamer Updates
Boyle Heights 5th Graders

For this second semester our Dreamers have been working on a long-term community service project, with the aide of our intern, Wendy Rico. Beginning with Wendy’s Earth Day presentation, she taught our Dreamers about the importance of recycling, reusing, and reducing for our planet’s well being. With this message in mind, we then had our Dreamers decorate reusable canvas tote bags, which will later be donated to the Boyle Heights Senior Center. We also have invited the Senior Center’s Coordinator to be a guest speaker. At the end of the Coordinator’s presentation, Dreamers will finally present their donation. Dreamers have enjoyed this process, understanding that we are helping our planet while also helping others. They are excited to see the Coordinator’s reaction!
Watts 8th Graders

This semester for our community service contribution, the Program 18 Dreamers joined members of Los Angeles County in efforts to beautify the Los Angeles River. Dreamers joined hundreds of youth and community volunteers in cleaning the river. They volunteered alongside Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon, Hilda Solis' Board of Supervisors team, the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County library, and many more. They worked to gather plastic bottles, scraps, cigarette butts, and so much more in their big trash bags. The Dreamers truly enjoyed being part of the cleaning effort and they learned the importance of sustaining and preserving the beauty and cleanliness of their environment and the community. 
Inglewood High Schoolers

Our high school seniors recently attended College Signing Day, where students announced their post-high school plans. Every single one of our high school seniors will be graduating! Forty-three will be attending college, three will be entering the military, two are taking a gap year, and one will be working. We are so proud and wish all of our students the best on this next chapter of their journeys!
Dream Big Event

At the end of April, students from all programs had the opportunity to attend the annual Dream Big event at La Verne University. The dreamers were involved in some hands-on activities that involved art, science, and technology. Students dissected insects, saw balloons break like glass, and learned about electricity. It was an educational and fun-filled day!
"I Have A Dream" Foundation - LA
(213) 572-0175
info@ihadla.org
ihadla.org
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