Heart of Los Angeles

The Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) invests in youth in the Ramparts, Westlake and Pico Union neighborhoods, which are overrun by poverty, crime and a feeling of hopelessness. The organization gives some of our city's most vulnerable youth a chance to succeed in life.

HOLA started 25 years ago with just a handful of kids in a dilapidated gym. It now serves over 2,400 youth ages 6-24 at its campus located in and around Lafayette Park. It is a home away from home for thousands of young people.

The organization provides children, teens and young adults with exceptional programs in academics, arts and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education and strengthen their communities. 

Through its programming, the youth (and their parents) are exposed to a wide array of experts including artists, executives, chefs, athletes, engineers and counselors who truly commit themselves to instruction and guidance of the highest quality.

Through HOLA's partnership with the Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation Department, the organization provides youth living in poverty with much needed green space including a soccer field, outdoor basketball court and a gym. Best of all, these facilities are safe spaces and open year round, truly offering the youth of the community an alternative to hanging out on the streets.

Click here to read a May 2014 KCET story regarding HOLA's establishment of Urban Fruit Trails in partnership with Fallen Fruit.