We applaud your success in creating a program that addresses the need to create safe places for youth, to expand the learning process, and to offer an opportunity for enrichment and recreational opportunities. The Paintrock Canyon Program is truly making a lifelong impact on not only the students involved in the program, but also on the communities in which they live.
“Our goal is to partner with programs that we feel can support and ultimately lead these students forward to achieve their highest potential. Your assistance in helping these students overcome challenges in their own lives and helping to create opportunities for future growth should be recognized and commended by all in the community.
“We often are introduced to programs that initially have great promise, but unfortunately little follow through. I would like to commend the amount of commitment and service you have displayed towards these Los Angeles youth and your dedication to the development and implementation of this outstanding program. This is an incredible opportunity for these youth to experience new environments and challenges as well as the support and mentorship they receive from you and your staff. I look forward to seeing them all achieve their goals throughout high school and beyond.“
John Liechty, Former Asst. Superintendent Beyond the Bell Branch, LAUSD
I have been working on applications for this summer (yuck), and so have been describing again and again what I did last summer. About the hundredth time I did this, something broke through the monotony and hit me full force: working with C5LA and Camp Paintrock, was one of the greatest things I have ever done. I had no idea how lucky I was. The kids, the staff, the scenery, everything, EVERYTHING made C5LA’s Camp Paintrock the perfect place to be last summer, and I am so grateful that you gave me the opportunity to be there. I am so glad you saw something in me that allowed me to be a part of the program. My only regret for the summer is that I might have gotten more out of it than the kids! So, to make a long story short, I just wanted to thank you and tell you that I really wish I could be out there again this summer. I hope all is well for you, your family and everyone at C5.”
Jessica Batke, former staff member
I would like to say thank you to John and Carolyn Alm for allowing themselves to have the vision and generous spirit, which allows this program to exist. It’s amazing and inspiring to see this effort brought to bear on the obvious need of these young boys and girls. Young lives will experience a life change opportunity that may otherwise not have been a possibility. I was not prepared for what I’ve experienced in the short week that I’ve spent here. The vision described to me did not prepare me for the quality of facilities and staff. Nor was I expecting to see a four-week commitment of time and effort focused on such a fine group of youngsters. Greg and his entire staff demonstrate what a commitment to quality can generate. This camp makes me wonder how much better life will be for these kids.
“Thank you to the Board of Directors for giving of your time and resources. Many of the kids I’ve met at camp remind me of my youth, good kids working hard to stay above the crisis that surround them. The influence you’ve injected into their life will make a lifelong difference. I’m reminded of the proverbial pebble in the pond story, you’ve tossed a pebble into the life of these kids, and the ripple effect will touch the lives of their family, friends and schoolmates for years to come.
“I look back in my life and often recollect the many wonderful individuals that touched my life it is with fondness and gratitude that they reside in my memories. You too will reside in the hearts and memories of these kids.
“Please continue your good work, encourage others to replicate what you’ve created here. Plant the seeds, water and cultivate the work.”
John Chavarria, Branch Division Manager Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.
I wish to thank you and Jessica for bringing a group of your organization's youths to an L.A. Works project on Saturday at the International Center for Gibbons Studies in Santa Clarita. What a wonderful experience it was, and your youths made possible a very special day for the center.
“The ICGS has a very small budget and needs all the help it can get in its goal of protecting the endangered wild gibbons of the world. With your youths' assistance, we were able to improve the environment of the center. We dug holes for and planted 10 new trees, removed a dead tree stump (the most difficult task of the day) and replaced it with a new tree, removed mounds of dirt for center expansion, sanded and painted five picnic tables and four pieces of outdoor furniture, and did extensive landscaping work for a period of five hours. It was a long and hot workday, but your youths were eager and barely slowed down. What ambition and dedication! Alan Mootnick, the director, was extremely impressed by the effort, especially because the center survives only on such dedicated help from volunteers and donors.
“L.A. Works and L.A. cannot survive without you. Please use this as a letter of recommendation if you ever need someone to vouch for Paintrock's humanity and generosity, and please forward it to your funders and donors as an example of the fine work your organization performs. Thanks so much!”
Jay Ross - LA Works
Youth & Parent Testimonials
Going to camp and becoming part of the program affected my life by working harder in school. I get more involved in class and think a lot about college. What really helped me were the teamwork games. I used to get mad if things weren’t my way.”
Andrea S. - Class of 2006
The biggest affect on my daughter was the way she has improved in school. She participates more in class. I haven’t seen much of how my child faces her life, but she does more teamwork in venturing.”
Andrea S's Mom
I am different because I thought the program was just going to be okay. I didn’t think of everybody I would get so attached and make some long-term friends and one best friend. All of the stuff Greg, Tray, and Zach said I thought was ‘mumbo jumbo’ I overcame my fears thanks to everyone encouraging me. No one at home has made me feel more loved in so little time. My grades in school are straight A’s. I made a goal and set my limits, limits with my friends too. I hang out with people who have similar goals in life as me. I have never felt better thanks to C5LA & Camp Paintrock. From the leadership sessions, the 100-foot rappel and on to horses, I love you guys so much. I had the time of my life.”
Brittney B. – Class of 2007
...I would love to have the opportunity to work for the program that completely turned my life around. If it wasn't for C5 and Camp Paintrock I would have never been able to get through high school, with the passing away of my little brother during my camp experience, C5LA had a huge impact on my life and higher education goals. I wish to comeback and return to the program which has given me more than I could ever imagine and has led me this far in my education, I honestly could not have done it without it. I have done much work with youth since high school and much volunteer work, which is why I wish to work at camp this summer.“
Jose P. – Class of 2006
The effects of becoming involved in the C5LA & Camp Paintrock Program has helped me to be more responsible on doing homework, understanding why it is important to finish high school and going to college to be something good in life that pays good. I understand that to do all of that you need to work hard, you need to want to do it, you have to get involved in all of the opportunities that come your way.
My mom said that [it] helped me a lot more around the house – I study more to do my homework. She said that all of a sudden [I’m] doing all that they told her because they keep telling me to go to college and be good in life. My mom said that she is proud of me that I have changed a lot, that I am more responsible and more concentrated on my work.”
Chris M. – Class of 2005
Going to camp expanded my way of thought. It helped me gain more experience with the outdoors, which I now love. Looking back at camp experiences helped me to realize how to deal with high school and the possible problems that come with it. One of the experiences was repelling. At first I didn’t want to do it which administrators found to be okay. But, then I changed my mind because peers helped me realize that I shouldn’t turn down opportunities for any reason because that opportunity mostly likely comes once in a life time.”
Stacey A. – Class of 2005
Going to the camp has made a big difference in my daughter’s well-being. She is more cooperative and very successful with her education and much matured in general well to do life. Especially on our trip to Africa she was able to adjust to outdoor activities.”
Stacey A's Parents
After reading the recent newsletter, it made me realize how C5LA actually made me into a better person. I know how cliché that sounds but it’s really true... camp made me realize how out of shape I truly was... and since then I have lost approximately 40 pounds...I exercise daily... eat really healthy and get the proper amount of rest. C5 also gave me the ability to take responsibility on my own hands... just after turning 19, I decided to move out on my own and become a quote-unquote "ADULT"... I am a full time student while trying to juggle a full time job... without C5 steering me onto the right path, I don’t think I could have done it with such ease. I pay for everything, rent, school, food and so forth with no help and no financial support, and as I opened that orange pamphlet, I began to realize something... this newsletter isn’t just vital information, it’s a symbol of something more... and in my case... it meant responsibility and above all... a new outlook on life.”
Rich C.– Class of 2006