Heart of Los Angeles helps young people overcome barriers through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment. Our organization builds quality connections between K-12 leaders, families, and local organizations to holistically serve kids in Los Angeles’ historically underserved neighborhoods.
Heart of Los Angeles was founded in 1989 by Mitchel Moore, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, where he was inspired to create free, youth-centered programming to fill an expansive gap impacting youth in under-resourced communities. Heart of Los Angeles has grown to serve over 3,100 kids annually at sites in MacArthur Park/Westlake, South Central, and Watts. By bridging a critical, widening resource gap for students and families in Los Angeles, Heart of Los Angeles provides a breadth of leadership and advocacy opportunities, reaffirming our commitment to cultivating engaged leaders and change makers equipped to seed transformative, community-driven change.
I want the world to know that every individual has the potential to do good in this world with their own unique talents. We just need to be given that chance to reach our full potential. And that is what Heart of LA (HOLA) does for the youth in the communities we serve.
Heart of Los Angeles helps young people overcome barriers through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment.
We expect youth to meaningfully engage in the world around them. We believe every child can be a productive, caring, and responsible citizen, working hand-in-hand with staff, board members, volunteers, policy makers, and parents, to make our community a better place.
Our student and family-led model for improving academic, health, and community outcomes advances equity through high-quality, wrap-around supports to serve kids’ every need.
The concept of equity is foundational for Heart of Los Angeles, and we are proud that an asset-based approach, which focuses on our students through the lens of their value and potential rather than being defined by the challenges they face, has long guided our work with students, employees, and the community at large. To learn more about Heart of LA’s commitment to practicing equity, please use our Contact Form to request our Equity Statement.
In 1989, Heart of Los Angeles was founded by Mitchel Moore, who invited a handful of young people to play basketball in an old gym at a local church. Moore was inspired to take action after witnessing local kids’ need for support outside of school, building relationships with kids on the court – as peers. Thirty-five years later, Heart of Los Angeles has grown to serve more than 3,100 kids each year through structured and exceptional programming across the city.
