WILMINGTON, Calif. (June 24, 2021) – The Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) has been selected by Senator Steven C. Bradford, District 35 as a 2021 California Nonprofit of the year.
GAP is humbled and honored to be receiving this recognition and is thankful to be recognized and celebrated for the great work we have been providing to the thousands of children and families that we have been serving in the communities of Los Angeles since 1986.
GAP was vigilant in its approach to the pandemic, expanding services to accommodate many of our community members who lacked resources during an incredibly fearful and critical time. Panic, isolation and quarantines became the norm. The pandemic exposed our most vulnerable populations, the elderly, children and poverty-stricken families. GAP provided immediate relief to lessen the strain of our community stakeholders. Meals for the elderly, lunches for youth whose families depended on their local schools for daily meals. Also, GAP provided graffiti abatement support in our most storied sections of Downtown Los Angeles. GAP removed thousands of square feet of graffiti brought about during the protests, keeping the integrity of our resilient city intact.
The Gang Alternatives Program has worked tirelessly to provide programs and services to the children and families in Los Angeles through alternatives and a way to say “no” to gangs and “yes” to positive lifestyle choices. With a presence in nearly one-fourth of the elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, GAP provides a proven effective school-based gang prevention education program for 2nd, 4th, and 6th grades. GAP operates after school programs at three of our LAUSD partner schools, a parenting and teen education program and summer youth employment and training opportunities. In addition, GAP provides a graffiti abatement program in Los Angeles City and County, bulky item pick up services, and a clean and safe streets community clean up service.
California Nonprofits Day
On June 23, 2021, 110 California state legislators announced their selection of a “Nonprofit of the Year” in celebration of California Nonprofits Day. The 114 honorees range from nonprofits in health and food banks to nonprofits in music and sports. This annual effort – in its sixth year – creates a way for legislators to recognize an exceptional nonprofit in their district. You can download the press release and a complete list of honorees and legislators.
For more information about Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) events, activities, services, programs, and facilities, go to www.gangfree.org, or contact (310) 519-7233.
