5 Nonprofits to Share $472,000 in Grants

Several San Fernando Valley social service agencies are among 65 L.A. County nonprofit organizations serving the poor that will share $472,000 in grants, the Pacific Bell Foundation announced Monday.

The Valley agencies--which provide economic-development, job-training and youth programs--will receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, said Carmen P. Nava, regional president for the telecommunications company.

“Our goal is to help people . . . who are struggling to find jobs and adequate child care,” Nava said.

“If we can ease the way for people to become independent, then the entire community wins.”

Organizations that will share in the grant money currently offer programs aimed at individuals who could lose their benefits under welfare reform, Nava said.

“All community organizations in Los Angeles offer worthwhile programs,” she said, “but we feel that these grant recipients offer immediate and beneficial assistance to those impacted by changes in welfare policies.”

Grant recipients were selected from a list of nonprofit agencies nominated by elected officials, community leaders, the United Way of Los Angeles and Pacific Bell managers, Nava said.

Valley organizations that will receive funding include:

--Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, Pacoima, $5,000 for after-school youth programs.

--Economic Alliance of San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks, $15,000 for economic-development and job-creation programs.

--New Directions for Youth, Van Nuys, $5,000 for youth and job-training programs.

--Valley Economic Development Center, Northridge and Sherman Oaks, $10,000 for small-business programs.

--Work Training Program Inc., Chatsworth, $5,000 for job training for mentally disabled adults.