Yesterday morning Councilman Bill Rosendahl and members of his staff met with “The Teen Project” founder Lauri Burns at “The Venice PAD“, a drop in center for homeless teens that opened in February at 76 Market St.
Pictures by Ray Rae
When asked about the visit earlier today, Rosendahl said “from the moment I walked in the door at The Teen Project in Venice, I was impressed by the young women and men who were part of the program. They seemed happy, focused, and determined to turn their lives around through jobs and housing. The Teen Project has done a tremendous job in Orange County, and I look forward to their work in Venice, providing guidance, focused direction, and problem solving resources to the young women and men who live on our streets.
Under the direction of the impressive Lauri Burns and Jeff Williams, The Teen Project will be a great addition to (and partner with) some of the area’s other great agencies, including Safe Place for Youth, the St. Joseph Center, Upward Bound, New Directions and PATH. I am confident that we can begin to end the problem of homelessness in our community.”
During the month of May 330 homeless teens visited the drop in center. The center provided 1,246 hours of service averaging 15 kids a day of which 52% entered for the first time.
Councilman Rosendahl and Teen Project founder Lauri Burns
In the past few months PAD has transitioned the following young people off of the streets of Venice Beach and into housing and better lives:
Austin – Housed at sober living
Tim – Housed at sober living
Rebecca – Housed at sober living
Chris – Housed at The Teen Project
Jordin – Housed at The Teen Project
Josh – Sent home to Bakersfield CA
Brandon – Sent home to Tulsa OK
Cody – Sent home to Madison WI
James – Sent home to Lexington KY
Brandon – Sent home to Bakersfield CA
Planning on Sending Next week:
Sebastian – New York NY
John – Olympia WA
PAD currently needs funding to help the following kids get permanent housing. All of these youth are participating at the center (answering phones, cleaning, sorting clothing, attending independent living classes and therapy) while awaiting placement. They are also working on the Venice Street Cleanup initiative:
Kiera – Living with mom on the beach, ready for a new life
Tommy – Was accepted back to Cordon Blue for schooling, but needs housing.
Antonio – Ready to leave streets – wants placement in the area to continue working at PAD while going to school
Steven – has a job, but needs permanent housing.
Anika – has a job, but needs permanent housing
Other new kids that are awaiting placement in safe homes:
Mac
Sarah
Jon Paul
Michael
Victoria
Aaron
For information on volunteering at PAD contact Jeff Williams at 310-392-3838 or just stop in!
To make a tax deductible donation click here.
To donate much needed supplies and clothing, click here or drop into the center!
The Teen Project PAD Venice Beach
76 Market
Venice 90291
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