Thank you UniCamp for the most life changing experience ever. There is nothing like UCLA's Unicamp…read more@ Camp River Glen. Every year staff volunteer their time to bring hundreds of campers up to experience the great outdoors. Activities like hiking, climbing, canoeing, singing, arts/crafts, mountain biking, archery, campfires, and swimming are just a few of the many wonders experienced. Shout out to Blitzen, Lilo, Rose, Mr. Woooo, Sky, Silver Fox, Woli, Flareon, Tiny, Look Out Below, Mardi Gras, Black Wall Street, Honor, and too many to name... we are forever changed! Perfect place for youth, surrounded by complete Love, Care and the most DELICIOUS food this side of the mountain.! I hope all can enjoy this priceless experience. Always and Forever, TLC (Trust, Love, Communication) - Britanny The Village Session 2022, 2023...

Sing Songs Play Games…read moreChange Lives Spend a week here with no showers or electronics, while teaching kids from under served communities leadership skills, team work, effective communication, community service and at the same time. HAVING FUN. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED BEST EXPERIENCE EVER.

We have been participating in the Laurel Foundations activities and services for about 3 years. We…read moreare so happy with the quality of the activities (summer camp/meet ups/informational zooms). We are so grateful for the community.

Thank you so much to everyone at the Laurel Foundation for Camp Mulberry! My 15-year-old just got…read moreback from camp - it was her first time away from home without one of us with her, and it was her first camp experience. She had what I can only describe as a transformative time. She came home so much more self-confident, joyful and the most comfortable I've ever seen her in her body. After years of suffering from depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, seeing this kind of change and growth in my child in such a short amount of time made me teary eyed. I'm forever grateful.

This workshop gave me something that will impact my life long after the program ended…read more What stood out most wasn't just the material or the exercises--it was the commitment of the leaders and the environment they created for real growth, accountability, and transformation. I was challenged to look honestly at myself, my patterns, and the kind of person I am committed to being. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the opportunity to reflect deeply on my values and the way I want to show up in my life. The impact of this experience extends beyond me. My daughter will grow up in a household where both of her parents are committed to doing the work, growing, and living intentionally. That alone makes this experience invaluable. The leaders and staff may never fully know the ripple effect they create, but I can confidently say they made a difference in my life and in my family's future. If you're willing to show up, participate, and be open to growth, this workshop can be a truly powerful experience. I'm grateful for what I learned, the people I met, and the opportunity to be part of it I wish i could do a 10 star review

Participating in both Discovery & Transformation with Ariya has been one of the most impactful and…read moretransformative experiences of my life. I went in hoping to gain a better understanding of myself, but I left with so much more than that. I walked away with a deeper awareness of who I am and understanding the ways my past experiences and unresolved trauma have been shaping my thoughts, relationships, and decisions for years. What stood out to me most was that this experience wasn't about fixing anything that was "wrong" with me, but rather it was about helping me recognize my own power, uncover patterns and beliefs that were no longer serving me, and giving me the tools to choose a different way forward. The work was challenging, emotional, and eye opening, but it was also incredibly healing. Ariya created a space where I felt safe, supported, seen, and empowered to do the work. Through the process, I gained a level of self awareness and now have a much better understanding of myself, my emotions, triggers, and patterns that have been holding me back. I've been able to apply what I learned to both my personal life and my career. My relationships have improved, my communication has become more intentional, and I find myself approaching challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self trust. My advice is simple - trust the process and be willing to show up fully!! The growth, healing, and transformation that are possible on the other side are far greater than I ever could have imagined. I am incredibly grateful to Ariya and the entire EAC team for creating such a powerful experience. It was truly one of the best things I could have ever done for myself, and I know the lessons and breakthroughs I gained will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am forever grateful to the people who introduced me to this work

Ascending Lights Leadership Network is an AMAZING organization!! I began the program in 2000 right…read moreafter high school. At first, I had no idea how I was going to pay for my education. Thanks to this organization, that is one of the MANY benefits of this program. I did not have to worry about anything except go to school, attend leadership trainings, and continue to be active at my church. A huge blessing of this program was having my own personal academic mentor. Every week, I spent a few hours with my mentor discussing my homework assignments, what I've learned that week, etc. While I was actively in the program, my goal was to just attend community college, get an Associate's degree, and be done with my education. Thankfully, I had many mentors in the program that encouraged me to push myself and go to a 4-year university. I finally agreed to continue my education, but decided to go to a university that I thought would be "easier". When Gary and Marjorie saw how well I was doing in school, they encouraged me to reach higher and apply to a more prestigious school. I was terrified to go to a prestigious university; however, with their help and tremendous encouragement, I applied to UCLA and got accepted. I share that story because if it was not for Ascending Lights, I would have settled for less and the doors that I was able to open probably would have remained closed. Even though I finished the program in 2005, I make it a necessity to keep in touch with this organization because I would not be who I am today if it was not for them. For anyone that is accepted into this program, I encourage you to not take it lightly and know that it will change your life. Gary and Marjorie, thank you so much for everything that you have done for me and how you continue to be a light to numerous deserving students that are blessed to be in your program. If I had to rate this organization from 1 to 10, I would give them a 20!

Ascending Lights Leadership Network (ALLN) develops Christian leaders! Recently, I had the joy of…read morecelebrating our joyful milestone of seeing God move through 25 years of awarding scholarships to LA Urban Churches. As a mentor with ALLN, I have had the joy of walking with students through their community college journey. ALLN is a great support to the holistic needs of our scholars. They are truly full of grit and love for Jesus.

I had the pleasure and privilege to join Trek Relief on the medical mission trip that we did in…read moreNepal earlier this year in March to the remote village of Salyan. All board members and the staff working alongside Trek Relief were very accommodating, friendly, and organized in what volunteers needed and letting everyone know about what kind of itinerary was going to play out. This organization brought all kinds of people from all over the world together to do good for less fortunate people. Along with completing a successful fundraiser to purchase medical supplies and restocking the village's basic needs for medical listings, Trek Relief also organized a trek to Everest Base Camp. What an incredible trek with an amazing group from Trek Relief. I truly appreciate all of the heartwarming volunteering, culture immersion, and the chance to see the Himalayas Mountains through trekking with this organization. Such an unforgettable experience. If I could join them for more mission trips in the future, I would definitely, hands down.

Incredibly beautiful treks with an even more beautiful purpose!…read more NEPAL: Through lovely Langtang Valley, all of our connections with the trekking guide & porter, teahouse hosts (who cook restaurant-worthy dishes), construction crews for our volunteer work, and locals were immensely deepened through our purpose of relief support. All in a gorgeous setting that is also stunning even in the aftermath of the earthquakes, in which seeing the landslides first-hand was also incredibly grounding and an invaluable tie to the overall mission. Both the 5- and 10-day treks are moderate hikes, with plenty of time to acclimatize as we reached our highest points at the apex of our trips before turning back towards our starting point. Scenery changes by the half-day, and there are mountain views like none other. Most moving was the impact of the school rebuild in Syafrubesi, in which we visited the backup school and personally connected with the faculty and students, before we proceeded to work on rebuilding with them. What a mission. MONGOLIA: Amidst rolling valleys of the Mongolian steppe, we rode horseback, camelback, and in a Russian Uaz camper van to take in the vast untouched landscape. Staying in traditional ger (yurts) with local families made for an unforgettably charming experience of true nomadic culture, with delicious homecooked meals to boot. To establish roots of environmental stewardship with those who visit and live off the land will assure future preservation of such natural beauty, which was met with gratitude by the locals. Less of a strenuous hike and more of an assisted trip, this is a great alternative to the moderate hiking and higher altitude of the Nepal trek. Time spent with the Rotary Club for cleanup days and welcome dinners made for a very fun time in the city. OVERALL: Trek Relief provides programs of adventure, mission, impact, and fun all in one. I loved it so much, I had to officially join the movement!

I have been volunteering for this amazing non-profit for about a year now and I have to say that I…read moream learning so much about philanthropy and am surrounded by passionate people who are invested in their community and are committed to making a positive impact! I participated in the FFSC Christmas Around the World event this year and was so moved by the families that attended and seeing the direct impact that FFSC had on them that I am looking forward to doing my part in giving back through this organization. This foundation is grassroots and I truly admire the work, commitment, and dedication that the FFSC team puts into giving back. I can't imagine how hard it must be to make time for everything considering that most of the council is all volunteer based holding down a 9-5, families, and a life. But this foundation makes it happen and I am truly inspired by them!

I worked for Foundation for Second Chances from 2017-2018 and my experience with the organization…read moreinspired my career interests in working with underserved populations. Starting as a volunteer for FFSC's reading wheels and stem program, my experience working with youth populations in the community of Watts has left an impact on my heart and I hope to have left an impact within the community. I urge everyone to volunteer and participate within their communities, especially with FFSC. Keep up the good work!

I have been a member of the Felix Ventures Foundation since 2014; that is 10 years today. I…read moregraduated from WOHS in 2016. During my time as a venturer, I learned invaluable skills from being around other venturers, staff members, and especially from Felix Grossman himself. I owe my current success to the experiences I've had with Felix Ventures. The program was and always has been welcoming to all students from all backgrounds. The Felix Ventures Foundation provides so many opportunities for growth, especially in higher education. Plus, who doesn't love the outdoors? My fondest memories were during the camping and backpacking trips! After graduating from high school, I loved and believed in the program so much that I decided to come back and work for the program while I was pursuing my college degree. Although I no longer work for the program anymore, I am still an active member and supporter of the program, and I always will be. Those who have been involved in the program recognise, firsthand, the many opportunities that Felix Grossman has offered to the students at Workman High School and I hope the program continues to serve the community for many more years to come.

It's an amazing organization to go to know people and it's an incredible opportunity to engage.read more

WOW! I just attended…read moretheir 2010 Leadership Development Program for Higher Education and my life is forever changed. LEAP created not just any other leadership training program but a real, reflective, inspiring experience. Audrey Yamagata-Noji and Henry Gee facilitated our 4 day program and LEAP could not have found better people. All 4 days they were able to find AMAZING speakers, agendas, activities, mentors etc. LEAP was very organized with the registration, hotel reservations, schedules, etc. I did not have any questions or concerns before going as they covered every single detail for the participants. If you are considering them for any of the programs, consultations, or presentations they offers, I would definitley recommend them. They do a really amazing job of not only empowering Asian Americans to work towards a leadership position in their organizations but they also educate people on some of the barriers and obstacles that may occur because of Asian values and behaviors with API's in the workplace and the potential perceptions associated with those behaviors. You will definitley learn a lot, be exposed to eye-opening things, but will leave wanting to strive for more! They are worth every penny! I am a fan and I hope to attend more of their programs in the future. THANK YOU LEAP for changing my mind, heart, and life and helping me to GROW INTO A LEADER!