It's that time of year again — when Bruins sign on to support the United Way of Greater Los Angeles in combatting poverty at its roots — homelessness, financial instability and lack of education.
“Since 1968, our contributions have helped improve the quality of life for individuals throughout our community, unifying us through a commitment to a better Los Angeles,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block wrote in an email today to the campus announcing the 2016 campaign, which runs June 13-30.
Last year alone, UCLA faculty and staff contributed more than $133,000, gifts that United Way directed to charitable organizations with a proven track record of solving our community’s most pressing issues. In recent years, the generosity of Bruins has played a part in finding permanent housing for more than 25,000 homeless individuals and helping more than 10,000 veterans and low-income families establish financial stability.
UCLA contributions have also helped connect 50,000 students with programs to improve their academic performance — students like Gabriela Ballesteros, a 12th grader at the International Studies Learning Center in South Gate, where 20 percent of residents live below the federal poverty line. She has aspirations of becoming a registered nurse.
“My inspiration is my parents because they have sacrificed so much to make sure I stay focused in school,” Ballesteros said, adding, “My dream for a better L.A is to make sure students are acquiring the proper resources for school and to have them believe they can prosper in life despite their race and class.”
United Way has also secured more than 1,240 work-based opportunities to help veterans like Antonio Salazar learn new job skills. Salazar, who had trouble finding steady work after serving in the U.S. Marines, is in a pre-apprenticeship program in the construction industry.
“When I learned about this opportunity, it almost seemed too good to be true,” Salazar said. “My kids look up to me and I want to give them a good example of what can be achieved through hard work and commitment. I would feel complete.”
Please make your donation by visiting the UCLA/United Way website. You can arrange a continuing payroll deduction or make a one-time gift with a check or credit card. If you prefer to use a printed pledge form, request a form by emailing unitedway@support.ucla.edu or calling 310-784-6880. To learn more about United Way of Greater Los Angeles, click here.
