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Message from the President & CEO, Dora Leong Gallo
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It is hard to believe that Fall is here and 2019 is almost over.
A Community of Friends
has had a busy summer. From launching our Family & Children Services program to partnering with the UCLA Stein Eye Institute,
ACOF
is constantly developing new programs and partnerships to provide the services needed by our tenants to live independent lives.
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ACOF
also continues our work to increase the supply of supportive housing for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Please keep reading for updates on Casa del Sol, a Proposition HHH-funded supportive housing development, and Firestone Phoenix, our newest development that will be celebrated with a groundbreaking event at the end of this month. I am excited to announce that two more
ACOF
developments in Los Angeles just received City Council approval for Proposition HHH funds this week. Stay tuned for news of those developments in our next newsletter.
Our success has only been possible with your remarkable support and encouragement. On behalf of the Board and staff at
ACOF
, we thank you.
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Casa del Sol
Sun Valley, CA
- Under Construction
- Estimated Completion Date: April, 2020
For additional property information,
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Firestone Phoenix
Los Angeles, CA
- Under Construction
- Estimated Completion Date: December, 2020
For additional property information,
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ACOF Tenant Engagement and Programs
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Tenant Advisory Council Provides Development Insight
September 2019
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Following the successful design of prototype unit plans this past summer,
ACOF's
Tenant Advisory Council (TAC)
held its third meeting with Lehrer Architects to provide feedback on prototype site plans. These design workshops were instituted by
ACOF’s
Housing Development Team in recognition of the importance of tenant involvement in developing permanent supportive housing. The resulting design deliverables will aid
ACOF
in streamlining the design process and reducing costs for future projects.
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Family & Children Services Launches New Summer Programming
July 2019
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Thanks to the generous support of the
S. Mark Taper Foundation
,
ACOF’s
Family and Children Services Program launched its Summer Programming in July to foster learning opportunities that nurture cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of the children in
ACOF’s
buildings.
The program aims to empower youth through opportunities for leadership and cooperative learning while providing a platform for creative expression and exploration.
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Tenants Receive Free Eye Exams and Eye Glasses from UCLA
July 2019
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UCLA Stein Eye Institute
brought their mobile eye clinic to
ACOF
tenants at our Fox Normandie Apartments.
Tenants had their eye pressure checked and met with a physician who administered additional tests, provided tenants their test results and answered any questions they had.
Tenants were also provided with a pair of eyeglasses and frames. Thank you to the
UCLA Stein Eye Institute!
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ACOF Advocacy and Volunteers
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EY Connect Day
October 2019
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ACOF
once again was a beneficiary of EY Connect Day, an annual day of volunteer service promoted by Ernst & Young with a focus on activities that promote entrepreneurial business skills and environmental sustainability.
EY Connect Day volunteers helped create a garden from scratch at
ACOF's
Silver Star Apartments
, ACOF's
first Zero Net Energy (ZNE), LEED for Home Platinum Certified and Energy Star Homes Certified multi-family affordable housing project in Los Angeles which serves veterans. This is
ACOF’s
eighth year of partnering with Ernst & Young.
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"Examining the Homelessness Crisis in Los Angeles"
August 2019
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President & CEO, Dora Leong Gallo, joined Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Members of the House Financial Services Committee and California Delegation to discuss the state of homelessness in Los Angeles.
The hearing examined the homelessness crisis in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, actions taken thus far, and additional actions that can be taken at the local, State, and Federal levels to address the growing crisis.
Follow the link below to view the recording:
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ACOF Board and Staff Engagement
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NeighborWorks® America
Training Institutes
August 2019
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ACOF’s
Board of Directors joined seven other nonprofit boards from throughout the country at their first “Excellence in Governance” training in New Orleans.
Specifically geared for high-functioning boards, this 18-month training program offered by NeighborWorks
®
America uses a performance-based framework to strengthen effective board governance and the board's in improving organizational health, performance, and sustainability.
Graduation is set for October 2020.
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Lessons Learned
September 2019
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As part of
ACOF’s
continual learning and commitment to best practices,
ACOF's
housing and services departments conducted two “Lessons Learned” site visits of three of
ACOF’s
recently completed projects. The purpose of the tours was to better understand the architects’ vision and approach for the design, building features, and amenities and learn what worked and didn’t work from the tenants’ and site staffs’ perspective. Information collected will be utilized to improve existing buildings where possible and taken into consideration during the planning stages of project development.
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ACOF is Awarded New Grants
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Thank you to our funders for their financial support.
ACOF
was recently awarded several new grants.
Bank of America
Citizens Business Bank
Enterprise Community Partners
QueensCare
LISC LA
NeighborWorks
®
America
The Ahmanson Foundation
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Wells Fargo Housing Foundation
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The work at
A Community of Friends
is
much more than a job, it is work that is meaningful and changes lives.
For the past 30 years,
ACOF
has demonstrated solid leadership in affordable, permanent supportive housing to those most in need. Become a part of a team that is committed and cares deeply about making a difference.
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LABC's Annual Mayoral Housing, Transportation and Jobs Summit
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On November 22nd the
Los Angeles Business Council
will host its
Annual Mayoral Housing, Transportation and Jobs Summit
. The summit convenes leaders from all perspectives of the housing debate to address the housing crisis and its effect on employment and transportation in Los Angeles.
The summit will feature panel discussions, keynote speakers, and academic research surrounding this complex issue.
A Community of Friends
is proud to be a cooperating organization of the summit.
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Additional Ways to Support ACOF
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In addition to donations, there are many other ways to support
ACOF
, including partnerships
with AmazonSmile, Ralphs/Food4 Less, and GoodSearch
For additional information please contact our
Fund Development Dept. 213-480-0809 ext. 262. or email funddevelopment@acof.org
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