Who We Are
Our Mission
As a faith-based nonprofit, Stars (formerly Lake Avenue Community Foundation) is unleashing the God-given potential of children, youth, and families in vulnerable communities, providing the tools necessary to thrive academically, emotionally, economically and spiritually.
The staff of Stars
Maria Bowlin
Stars 123 Program Manager
Alberto Aguilera
Stars 45 Program Manager
Whitney Martinez
Executive Assistant & Stars 45 Program Leader
Diana Garcia
Stars Enrichment Coordinator
Curt Gibson
Associate Director
Diana Bravo
Middle School Stars Program Leader
Bryan Mayer
High School Stars Program Manager & Mentor Coach
Tonie Neuwirth
Data Systems Coordinator
Nancy Stiles
Executive Director
Beth Winton
Volunteer Program Manager & Mentor Coach
Kim Chinen
Stewardship Coordinator
Domingo Mota
Director of Mentoring Initiatives
Eric Johnson
Director of Partnerships & Collaborations
Perla Moreno
Stars 123 Program Leader
Our History
Since the founding on March 1, 2001, LACF has been dedicated to providing a wide variety of programs for youth and families from vulnerable communities in Pasadena. STARS, an after-school program for elementary students started by a community member in 1996, was put under the auspices of LACF so that it could expand and develop. LACF was able to expand the STARS program that first year through a grant from the James Irvine Foundation and in partnership with CORAL (Communities Organizing Resources to Advance Learning). Since our beginning, LACF has seen steady growth:
2002:
Started Mentoring and Homeless Outreach programs. Since its inception, 100% of the students who have participated in our Mentoring Program have graduated from high school. More than 80% have gone on to attend a community college or four-year university.
2005:
Launched Teen MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) component of Mentoring.
2008:
Added Youth Violence Intervention component to Mentoring to reach out to gang-involved youth in the area.
2009:
Started the Middle and High School component of STARS and initiated Adopt-A-School at Blair School to bring volunteers and resources to the school.
2010:
Launched the Summer SKILLZ Credit Reclamation program in collaboration with Pasadena Unified School District, Flintridge Center, and other Pasadena-area organizations. This program serves more than 100 students.
2011:
Completed an extensive strategic plan, including redesigning the Elementary STARS program and creating a Family Engagement position.
2012:
Began implementing the new Elementary STARS program and Family Engagement Specialist position.
2014:
Opened a second STARS elementary site called North STARS in partnership with Because You Matter (a non-profit started by Montrose Church).
Divided middle school and high school into two distinct programs to meet each age group’s needs. HS program focuses on college readiness.