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The Carrie Townsend Foundation recently awarded a $2,500 grant to The Youth Center in support of their after school and literacy programs. Carrie Townsend’s family founded the Carrie Townsend Foundation (CTF) in an effort to honor her quintessential life and to “carry on” her steadfast commitment of faithful generosity. CTF supports nonprofit organizations and causes that meaningfully impact lives of youth through education and sports in her local community of Southern California. 100% of monetary gifts received are donated and reinvested directly back into the community.
“Carrie’s strong beliefs were carried out in everything she did, as she always put others first”, shared Bill Townsend. “She touched and inspired others by her selfless giving, always smiling, always thinking of other people, and believing that the world could be a better place — inspiring her family to continue her legacy”, Townsend continued. Carrie believed that the youth are the basis for our future and loved to help them succeed by supporting them.
Since the Youth Center’s founding in 1952, it has established the organization as a community institution, providing children and teens with a safe and welcoming space filled with people who support and care for them, along with programs to help them learn and grow. The Youth Center’s core programs include:
- After-school program: An alternative to kids going home to an empty house and idle activities; offers homework help, tutoring, recreation, sports, STEM, leadership development, and arts activities.
- Summer camp: Outdoor camp that ensures families have access to multiple weeks of child care; bans all screens and provides a wide range of recreational, educational, and creative activities that engage children with each other and with nature.
- Music program: After-school music program conducted in partnership with the Los Alamitos Unified School District; string and band instruction provided to children in grades K-5; students in grades 1-5 may participate in the elementary string ensemble or jazz band.
“For the past three years, The Youth Center was fortunate to gain CTF grant funding during very rough times in the world”, said Lina Lumme, The Youth Center Executive Director. “Scholarships were given, new books were purchased, and we were able to provide more programs and longer hours of operation to accommodate the ever changing school schedules”, she continued.
The Youth Center serves more than 3,000 young people ages 5-18 annually. For more information about Carrie Townsend Foundation, visit www.CarrieTownsendFoundation.org. For more information about The Youth Center, visit www.TheYouthCenter.org.
