Youth & Family Outdoor Program

Partnerships with local schools have been highly effective in promoting outdoor education, environmental awareness, and overall student development. Youth referred by local schools have enrolled in Outdoor programming offered by Alma which then links their families to various other resources leveraged by the organization. Alma has also collaborated with community partners to disseminate information on opportunities for youth and families to learn, connect with peers towards developing healthy relationships, and engage in healthy activities. Furthermore, the outdoor activities grant has been able to enhance educational experiences to youth and families by providing opportunities for them to learn beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Our Outdoor activities aim at fostering experiential learning, allowing youth to explore and interact with the natural world firsthand. This outdoor grant has also helped us focus on promoting physical activity, health, and well-being amongst our youth. Outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, and nature exploration have contributed to improved fitness levels, reduced stress, and increased mental well-being. By collaborating with schools and community-based organizations, the outdoor grant has helped instill healthy habits early in our clients' lives, leading to lifelong benefits.

Through our gardening classes, community members learn about gardening 101 through hands-on experience in the garden by sowing seeds, repotting plants, cultivating soil, harvesting, and more. We demonstrate and guide through hands-on workshops, which increases the capacity to learn and retain information. Also, our nature trips and activities allow community members to explore beyond the bounds of their urban neighborhoods and learn about various ecosystems in Southern California. Educational goals achieved also include: - Collaboration with local schools through Alma's Youth Empowerment Center. -Expanding education on green spaces and the importance of maintaining, cultivating, and nurturing green/nature areas. - Additional education was provided on the nutritional value of vegetation and its cultivation.

The Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) Prevention, Soledad Enrichment Action.

We have established with partnerships with local community organizations such as: Costello Park Senior Center: we have established continuous gardening workshops for their seniors and are also scheduling nature area trips. Ability First, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit in Los Angeles; we have held gardening workshops to help promote life skills and wellness to adults/minors with disabilities. Soledad Enrichment Action (SEA): we have offered gardening classes and nature trips to at-risk youth.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the number of youth participating in in-person activities throughout the first year of services. Alma has leveraged resources to offer PPE, education and access to preventive measures to boost participation in activities.

· As we continued to do this work, we were reassured of the effectiveness of our approach in familiarizing ourselves with local organizations and resources that are doing similar work so we can build and collaborate in the efforts to serve our communities better. · Suggestions: Hold quarterly or yearly meetings with other CBOs who have the OEP grant to discuss best practices.