Youth participating in Building a Lifetime of Options and Opportunities for Men (BLOOM), an initiative in South Los Angeles created by the California Community Foundation (CCF), enjoyed back-to-school shopping with the support of JCPenney.  The retailer donated $50 gift cards to 30 BLOOM youth to ensure they are dressed for success this school year.

BLOOM is a partnership between CCF, community-based organizations in South L.A., and a growing network of other supporters such as JCPenney that provide hope, education and employment opportunities to Black males 14-18 years of age in Los Angeles who are or have been involved in the county probation system.

With gift cards in hand, the BLOOM youth excitedly searched through racks in the aisles of the JCPenney store at the Westfield Culver City mall for the new clothes and school supplies they need.

“I feel good because tomorrow I’m going back to school with new clothes,“ said Sergio Hill, a senior from South Los Angeles. “Where I’m from, we don’t have a lot of money for school clothes, so I am grateful for this opportunity” he continued.

For more information on BLOOM visit www.calfund.org/BLOOM and “like” the BLOOM social media page at www.facebook.com/BLOOM.CCF.

About California Community Foundation

California Community Foundation (CCF) is a public, charitable organization serving Los Angeles County since 1915.  It encourages philanthropy by individuals, families, companies and

organizations, and serves as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies.  It also makes grants to nonprofits and collaborates in addressing the needs of vulnerable members of the community.  In addition, it engages in community problem solving with business, civic, government and other organizations.  For more information, visit www.calfund.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/calfund.