ONE VOICE – a nonprofit in Los Angeles that identifies inner city youth with promise and supports them in applying to college. They come to the Land annually for their rite-of-passage. Underwritten by The Squid and Squash Foundation.

“I learned to be calm and to be real to myself.
I learned to not pressure myself to do things I don’t want.
I learned to be a good listener to others and to myself.
I have come to see the beauty in me and others.” – ONE VOICE student

“Our trips to Ojai not only mark transitions in our student’s lives, but they reinforce a positive and life affirming vision for success that endures through the challenges of poverty and marginalization. The Ojai Foundation helps us to meaningfully connect with and support our students unlike anything else.” – ONE VOICE counselor

“Over the span of just three days at Ojai I have witnessed profound transformations in my students. Through the challenges posed by the ropes course and other activities and ceremonies, these young people have cultivated trust in themselves and the capacity to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses in a profoundly self-empowering way.” – ONE VOICE Counselor

••••••••••••••

AMELIA EARHART HIGH SCHOOL – an inner-city public high school participating in our LAUSD Council Practitioners Center (CPC) council initiative

“Listening to my peers in council helps me clear up doubts I have about my life. Now that I found out I have a baby almost ready to be born, I am glad I have learned to listen, speak and think in a whole new way. I have learned to listen politely and speak maturely without cursing and without raising my voice. If you learn to listen, speak and think from the heart, you will be a peaceful, wise and better person.” – Julio, AMELIA EARHART senior

••••••••••••••

WONDERLAND SCHOOL – a charter elementary school in Los Angeles that has an active council program.

“When we have council, I feel more connected with my classmates. Also, when I share, I feel that they understand me more for who I really am. I think that council is fun, and I find that it has really helped me in life.” – WONDERLAND 5th grader.

“I enjoy council because I feel peaceful and quiet. I get to know people better too. I love listening to other peoples’ stories. For me, I think about love. Every time I learn new things. Council always reminds me about my mom and dad. It also reminds me about my lizard Lizzy, and my dog Jojo!” – WONDERLAND 2nd grader

••••••••••••••


NEW VILLAGE CHARTER SCHOOL – a charter school in downtown Los Angeles that serves all girls, most of them pregnant or parenting young mothers. The council program there is funded by The William E. Simon Foundation.

“You have taught me to let out my feelings. You have taught me to listen and speak from the heart. You’ve been very encouraging to me by telling me so many beautiful words and they have touched my heart. All the wisdom words make me try harder in school and in life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for every little, tiny, bitty, itty thing you’ve shared and taught me. I love you!” – Marlin Cueva , NEW VILLAGE student in a letter to her TOF Council mentor

••••••••••••••

CASA PACIFICA – a nonprofit in Camarillo that, among other things, provides temporary shelter and treatment for children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. A group recently came up to the Land for a ropes course adventure day. Future trips and council trainings to be funded in part by The Drown Foundation.

"We brought them to the Ojai Foundation to change their vision of who they are; the kids are really engaging with each other and getting a chance to know what inner peace can be,. Providing opportunities for young people to do something they've never done before in a supportive environment is both healing and empowering.” – Ingrid Cleffi, CASA PACIFICA Recreation Therapy Supervisor


••••••••••••••


NURTURING THE CALL TO SERVICE – a yearlong program on the Land for adults working in the nonprofit sector. Underwritten by The Angell Foundation.

“Thus far, I have been reduced to my own true greatness. One more time in the Separation/Severance processes of the Hero's Journey I get the invitation to vulnerability. Very much an unfinished piece of work, I, and my own hypocrisies/inauthenticities, biases/prejudices, have been artfully exposed in the privacy of my own heart. Beyond that seeing, I am also being seen.” – Reverend Gerald Fitzgerald, Hospital Chaplain