We are proud to share the news that Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action has been named a Nonprofit of the Year 2021. The selection was announced on June 23, California Nonprofits Day, in the sixth annual such recognition by California state legislators.
“California nonprofits are a vital part of our economy,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley), chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, in making the announcement. “The challenges of the past year have stressed how important nonprofits’ services are to our communities throughout the state. As someone who created and managed a nonprofit, I know how much passion, effort, and time it takes to run these essential organizations, even without the stresses of a global pandemic. I want to thank our nonprofits across the state for stepping up during a critical time of need.”
Joining in the announcement of this year’s non-profit honorees was Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector. “You are all examples of the powerful, life-changing impact that California nonprofits have on our communities, and you deserve to be recognized for your efforts,” said Senator Limón. “You have stepped up to provide families with essentials, were on the front lines of keeping our communities safe, and found ways to adjust your mission to ensure our communities continue to thrive.”
Echoing those sentiments was Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits. “The pandemic and shelter-in-place orders that are starting to lift have put nonprofits — usually hidden in plain sight — in the spotlight,” said Masaoka. “By selecting an organization to recognize as a Nonprofit of the Year, our elected officials celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts and ensure communities see and appreciate the collective impact nonprofits are making.”
In the case of PESA, those works include:
- Being authorized by the state of California to provide educational outreach about the COVID-19 vaccine and running community vaccination clinics
- Ongoing educational outreach, tutoring and mentoring programs for students in underserved school districts throughout greater Los Angeles and beyond to the Antelope Valley
- Support and management of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Teen Court program, including supervision of the diversion programs and counseling services for offending minors
- Partnering in the operation of the California Association of Youth Courts (CAYC) Summit, and the Stop Hate and Delinquency by Empowering Students (SHADES) program.
It’s been an especially tough year for nonprofits. According to CalNonprofits, 32% of California’s nonprofits have reduced activity below 50%, while 14% have completely ceased operations. Many nonprofits are suffering heavy financial losses, and staff layoffs are anticipated despite help from federal loan and state relief programs.
“It’s through the tireless hard work and commitment of the PESA staff that we have been able to not only survive as an organization but expand our services throughout the pandemic when so many organizations had to cut back,” says PESA Executive Director Seymour Amster. “This recognition of our work is not only gratifying, but it will boost our ability to continue our mission. And, of course, we can’t do it without the financial support of donors from the community. For that, we are truly grateful and share this recognition with you.”
If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.