[NoHo Arts District, CA] – Hands4Hope LA is the kind of community program we all dream about. They provide support and programming to youth and their parents from low-income, underserved, predominantly single-parent minority households to improve their quality of life and have been doing so for decades.
Founded by Lydia Floyd, Hands4Hope LA has become the iconic and indispensable heart of our NoHo community and serves as a reminder to us all that with hard work, perseverance and a dream can really happen, support can be given and received and all concerned can be uplifted.
We wanted to shine a light on Hands4Hope LA as they continue to fundraise and expand their incredible after-school programs for children from 6 to 18 and young adults up to 25, as well as the support and guidance they offer to parents of any age.
As Lydia Floyd is the founder and continuing figurehead for Hands4Hope LA, we thought she would be the best person to explain just how important this program has become in NoHo and what we can all do to help.
Hi Lydia, thank you so much for all your hard work in the North Hollywood community. We have so many questions about your amazing service to NoHo.
How did you begin Hands4Hope LA and why?
I wanted to help single parents like my mother who had epilepsy and four children to raise alone. I gave up a lucrative career as a financial analyst to start Hands4Hope LA and I’ve never looked back.
How did you connect with the church and find this amazing space?
I have attended First Baptist Church of North Hollywood since 1991. After our first year of H4HLA at Lankershim Elementary, the fifth graders did not want to stop attending tge program. The church moderator suggested we move to the side buildings at the church which were not being used.
What is the most important reason for Hands4Hope LA’s existence?
Single parents and their kids need help.
What is it that you need us to know about Hands4Hope LA?
Today I interviewed someone for one of our open positions. He attended Hands4Hope when he was young. He was so happy talking about his days with us. He is a fine young man who we who would be a great addition to our team because he knows first hand what we do. The legacy that Hands4Hope has created for kids like him must continue.
How do you find the brilliant teachers you have?
The church has a reputation for great musicians including my husband, his brother and many more. They and their friends taught in our amazing music program. Some are still here.
How has Hands4Hope LA changed you and your family?
My dream has become my work and my family has supported me every step of the way.
What can the NoHo community do to help you?
Volunteer, give, spread the word, join our team.
What do you need most to keep making Hands4Hope LA a success and expand to help more families?
We must pay and keep qualified staff. Recurring monthly donations help us make payroll and buy snacks for the kids. Those are our largest expenses.
Thanks, Lydia!
They have become an indispensable part of our community. But indispensable still costs money! However, it’s not just about money, although that’s very important. You can volunteer, or donate food or toys and games, or just ask Lydia what she needs and she will be happy to help you give! Start here: https://hands4hope.org/team/ or go direct to the donation page: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/15499691-1faa-4c87-9718-621503806def
Did you know? They have also opened a teen project in Van Nuys where all their amazing teachers support the teenagers from Van Nuys High School and all the other schools in the area with music lessons in piano, guitar and drums and a brilliant boxing program. There is always help to be found at Hands4Hope LA, even young adults 18 – 25 have a program to help them
Anything is welcome and I urge you to give whatever you can. After spending some time with them recently I was absolutely blown away by the love they all have for the kids, the incredibly valuable programs they provide, and the truly wonderful space they have, attached to the First Baptist Church in NoHo. It’s a home away from home for these children and very much a family. I wish I had somewhere as wonderful when I was a kid! But I am eternally grateful that these lovely kids have the opportunity to be a part of Hands4Hope LA.