ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 OUR MISSION

826LA is dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. 826LA’s services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 3 DEAR FRIENDS,

TABLE OF CONTENTS At 826LA, students discover the joy of writing and build skills for future success.

Whether students aspire to go to college, land an amazing job, or create the next 5 18 Hollywood blockbuster, writing will play a vital role in achieving their dreams. Dear Friends 826LA Writers’ Room at Manual Arts Writing is a tool for learning, advocacy, and self-expression. It can transform a struggling student into a confident scholar and storyteller. 6 20 We see this transformation happen every day at 826LA. It inspires us to reach as many students with our free writing programs as we can, and we are well on our way. During Why 826LA? College Access the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2016, 826LA served more than 9,000 students and published more than 200 books.

7 22 Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, but marginalized populations At a Glance Young Authors’ Book Project don’t often have the opportunity to share their stories widely. We work to show students just how far their creativity can take them. Last year, 826LA students turned their writing into a back-to-school campaign for Target, saw their books integrated into the curriculum of local colleges, and pitched their movie ideas to J.J. Abrams and the staff

8 24 of Bad Robot Productions. Volunteers Strategic Plan and Tell Me a Story 826LA is proud of our students and the community of supporters that we have built. We hope that you enjoy reading about our progress and achievements, but more importantly, we hope you are inspired to get involved in anyway you can to cultivate 11 26 the next generation of Los Angeles storytellers. Tutoring Time Travel Mart

With gratitude, 12 28 Workshops Treasurer’s Report

JOEL ARQUILLOS 14 30 Executive Director Supporters and Field Trips In-Kind Contributions

16 33 In-School Projects Thank You

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 5 WHY 826LA?

Writing is an essential tool for success in the 21st century.

The National Commission on Writing reports that over 90% of white-collar workers and 80% of blue-collar workers think that writing is important to job success. 2015-2016 AT A GLANCE 21,687 But in last year’s California statewide testing, 41% of 11th graders did not meet standards hours volunteered for language arts. The situation is more dire for students from low-income families, which account for 80% of the LAUSD’s 734,000+ student population. The percentage of students living at the poverty level scoring below basic in English language arts tends to be two times 9,087 higher than students from higher-income families. students served

826LA addresses this income achievement gap in LAUSD schools by providing quality writing programs six days a week all year round to students who need it most. With a 237 volunteer corps that includes writers, artists, and creative professionals, 826LA provides LAUSD teachers supported much needed individualized attention to students to help them realize their dreams.

At 826LA, writing opens hearts, opens minds, and opens doors. 222 books published 1 Writers’ Room launched

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 7 “There are few instances where the VISIT 826LA.ORG/VOLUNTEER people you meet and the interactions you have really sink in. 826LA has definitely been one of those instances. The volunteers—they will forever be remembered.”

JORGE, STUDENT AT MANUAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUNTEERS Centaur Club Expanded this special group for those What’s the secret behind 826LA’s success? who volunteer over 100+ hours a year. Thousands of amazing volunteers. Trainings This year, over 1,200 new faces walked Implemented new volunteer trainings, through 826LA’s doors to support student including “Race, Gender, and Identity.” writing. 826LA didn’t just focus on Diversity recruiting volunteers—the organization Focused on recruiting more seniors provided new opportunities for professional and volunteers of color. development, including how to respond to conversations about race, gender, and Service Learners identity in the classroom. In 826LA writing Provided hands-on learning centers and in schools across Los Angeles, opportunities for students from volunteers showed how much they care about Antioch University, Cal State LA, the future of students and their voices. CSUN, USC, Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA, LMU, and Santa Monica College. Community Partnerships Partnered with Union Bank, Blue Bottle, Team One, Google, Sony Pictures, Bad Robot, Target, and ADHD to create more opportunities for student engagement and learning.

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 9 “How do you get better at writing? You practice. I’m always excited to come here. I hope this never ends.”

YATZEL, STUDENT IN AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING

TUTORING 226 The scratching of pencils, the hum of Students Served conversations, the applause at a book release party—this is what 826LA’s tutoring program sounds like. 693 Volunteers Monday through Thursday, trained volunteers help students with homework and creative writing projects. Students participate in a daily 506 writing and editing practice, which culminates Tutoring Sessions in the publication of a beautifully designed chapbook. To inspire students to create and value their writing, 826LA hosts quarterly book 10 release parties, where students read their writing Publications for an audience of family and friends. 90% of students reported that they felt comfortable asking for help with their homework.

OUR PROGRAMS 826LA Annual Report 2015-16 11 “The workshop made me confident to write even if I was wrong.”

LUIS, STUDENT AT ICEF VISTA

Bad Robot Productions WORKSHOPS Inspire a New Generation 1,208 826LA’s workshops bring students together Students Served with artists and writers for creative collaboration. This year, 826LA hosted a wide “Ciro’s pitch was so imaginative and The students weren’t the only ones that range of workshops from screenwriting to enjoyable to listen to. It represented were inspired. Bad Robot’s Becca Perry was 445 journalism, during which professional journalists Volunteers everything 826LA stands for— particularly excited by Ciro’s protagonist supported students as they researched, wrote, encouraging creativity and inspiring named Journey Kernel who she hopes to see and edited articles for a printed newspaper. students to discover and explore their on the big screen one day. Becca said of the 81 passion for writing.” experience, “Seeing the genuine enthusiasm In the fall of 2015, 826LA launched a Workshops BECCA PERRY, BAD ROBOT PRODUCTIONS for creative writing that a younger partnership with The Broad, Los Angeles’s generation has definitely helps reignite my newest art museum, to host workshops in Screenwriters across LA know that their own passion for the work I am doing and 34 genius idea will never be produced unless writing and art. 826LA students piloted these reminds me why I am doing it. Publications they can pitch it compellingly. The workshops, visiting the museum multiple times throughout the year and constructing writing aspiring screenwriters at 826LA polished After visiting Bad Robot Productions, Ciro prompts in response to the exhibits. The Broad their own pitches before visiting Bad said that learning is “to believe in your will use the new 826LA workshop curriculum 93% Robot Productions in May 2016. They stories and ideas no matter how crazy they of students reported that were all nerves on the drive over, but for all field trips to the museum. seem.” they would be able to use their preparation and confidence shined what they had learned in brightly when it came time to share their the workshop on other very own movie ideas and screenplays with Bad Robot Productions. Students listened writing assignments. intently as J.J. Abrams and the staff provided constructive feedback and advice.

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 13 “The program was strong in the development of a story. This is really important not only for grabbing interest, but allowing children the free space to be creative without fear.”

SHANNA BURBANK, TEACHER AT LOCKWOOD AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FIELD TRIPS 4,770 On weekday mornings, 826LA welcomes Students Served Mr. Page is on a Five Year Roll LAUSD classes to its writing centers for a morning of high-energy learning. In one popular Field Trip, elementary school students 254 “Students must have the foundation for writing, decisionmaking in the process. Every student collaborate to write a book to please the grouchy Volunteers both narrative and informational, in order to individually finishes a storyline, and takes home a publisher, Mr. Barnacle, who admonishes them be best prepared for futures that will depend on bound book. For Mr. Page, the school year is not to avoid clichés and urges them develop original communication in written form.” complete without an inspiring visit to 826LA. characters. During other Field Trips, students 190 MR. PAGE, TEACHER work in small groups to write memoirs or tackle Field Trips “826LA workshops and programs will help to an essay assigned by their teacher with the Ten years ago, Mr. Page became an LAUSD teacher underpin any writing curriculum you are using or support of 826LA volunteers. to serve his city. As a proud and native Angeleno, have designed,” he says. But 826LA Field Trips do 234 Mr. Page loves nothing more than teaching 6th more than provide Common Core support, they This year, 826LA made a shift in the schools it Publications grade English Language Arts and Social Studies inject enthusiasm for learning and create lasting invited to attend Field Trips, focusing on those at Thomas Starr King Middle School. The memories. One of his favorite parts of the school schools where 51% or more of the students biggest challenge for Mr. Page is guiding his year is being able to look back at the published qualify as economically disadvantaged. 100% 99% classes through the tumultuous world of middle books a year later and remember his students’ of Field Trips in Echo Park were scheduled of teachers reported that their school, but the biggest reward is building a strong creative ideas. with target schools and 87% of Field Trips in students would bring new groundwork and seeing it flourish as his students Mar Vista this year were scheduled with target excitement for writing back to continue their education. 826LA Field Trips show students that writing schools (a 47% increase from last year). the classroom. can be fun and provide a tangible artifact of their That begins with writing. creativity. Mr. Page believes 826LA can play an important role in inspiring Los Angeles students For five years, Mr. Page has been bringing his to write. classes to 826LA. His students collaborate to write “Choose Your Own Adventure” stories, learning about the second-person perspective and 826LA Annual Report 2015-16 15 “I cannot stress enough the role social skills play in tutoring. I love that the students had adults to talk to about their writing and their lives. Students also learned follow-through, paragraph indentation, spelling, commas, and confidence.”

DEBORAH CHAPMAN, TEACHER AT ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL

IN-SCHOOLS PROJECTS 1,851 Because it is not feasible for all students to Students Served come to its writing centers, 826LA brings its programs and trained volunteers into under- resourced public schools. With a high level of 126 writing support in their classrooms, teachers can Volunteers reduce the adult-to-student ratio and complete ambitious projects in line with their curriculum. 15 During the 2015-2016 school year, 826LA Schools Served worked with teachers to design projects on persuasive and analytical essay writing, poetry, oral histories, and other genres in classes ranging 30 from Journalism to Physics. At Roosevelt Teachers Served High School, a 9th grade ethnic studies class wrote personal and community narratives, using what they’d learned in class to highlight 94% stories traditionally marginalized in history of teachers reported that courses. After a semester of writing and revision, the quality of their students’ 826LA published the students’ book, This is My writing had improved after Revolution: Thoughts on Resistance, Resilience, and help from 826LA. Reimagination in Boyle Heights.

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 17 “At Manual Arts, we are more than volunteers. We are first readers, tutors, collaborators, mentors, champions, and allies.”

JENNY BRAGG, VOLUNTEER

826LA WRITERS’ ROOM AT MANUAL ARTS 731 Students Served After two years of intensive planning and pilot programs, 826LA opened the Writers’ Room at Manual Arts High School at the start of the 158 2015-2016 school year. The Writers’ Room Tutoring Hours is a classroom that looks like one of 826LA’s writing centers—framed student writing on the walls, inspirational artwork, cozy furniture, and 11 Teachers Served trained volunteers ready to support students. These include long-term projects scheduled with teachers and drop-in sessions for students working on college applications. More than 66 Volunteers half of Manual Arts students took advantage of having a Writers’ Room at their school this year.

Approximately one third of volunteers in the 91% of students who received support Writers’ Room are college students from the in the Writers’ Room reported that University of Southern California, located just their writing improved with the a few blocks from Manual Arts. In Spring 2016, USC students enrolled in a course called help of an 826LA tutor. “Writing in the Communities,” mentoring Manual Arts students in the Writers’ Room while collaboratively writing and filming a documentary about the high school.

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 19 “For many of our students, applying to college is very challenging and intimidating because many of them are the first in their family to even go. 826LA plays a big role in the application process because the essay is what many of our students struggle with.”

MARIBEL DE ANDA, LA PROMISE FUND COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR AT MANUAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL

COLLEGE ACCESS 1,064 An essential part of the college admission process Students Served is writing an effective personal statement. These essays can be a space for students to explain how they’ve faced challenges and 163 overcome obstacles, illustrating qualities that Program Hours other components of their application may not highlight. As a writing organization, 826LA can have the greatest impact on students’ success by 12 providing them with writing support during Schools Served this crucial time in the admission process.

The application season ended with the sixth 100% annual Great LA Personal Statement Weekend, of students reported that a two-day event during which 171 students they felt more prepared to finished their applications with help of 826LA apply to college after working volunteers. In March 2016, 826LA followed with a volunteer on their up the fall personal statement programs with Scholarship Day in the Writers’ Room at Manual personal statements. Arts, an event at which any student who worked with 826LA on a college application could return for help in transforming their personal statement into a scholarship essay.

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 21 “When young people write, they’re able to see how beautiful they are, they find themselves.”

DOLORES HUERTA, UNITED FARM WORKERS CO-FOUNDER, FROM THE FOREWORD TO EACH LITTLE LEAF

YOUNG AUTHORS’ BOOK PROJECT

Each year, 826LA partners with one Los Angeles public high school to create a beautifully composed, impeccably designed collection of student writing. Over the course of a semester, volunteers go into the classroom to work one-on-one with students, polishing their stories until they sparkle. Students form a self-selected editorial board that guides every step of the publication. These books are published by 826LA and sold at bookstores across the country.

In May 2016, 826LA celebrated the release of Each Little Leaf, a collection of nonfiction stories written by sixty-five students from Ánimo Venice High School. Dolores Huerta wrote a foreword for the book, which contains stories that center around a single moment that can change a life. As the students wrote in the introduction to the book, “We learned that the writing process is not just one and done—there is much more to it. We had to revise and revise and revise...We learned that feedback from others is essential.” The book was designed by local design studio, ITAL/C.

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 23 “The hard part is having something to say and STRATEGIC PLAN knowing how to say it, and almost every kid I’ve met at 826LA has something to say and knows how to say it.” Over the past few years, 826LA has seen tremendous growth. B.J. NOVAK, VOLUNTEER These accomplishments were driven by 826LA’s vision: reaching as many underserved students across Los Angeles as possible. In 2015, staff and the Board of Directors collaborated to create a new strategic TELL ME A STORY plan to translate that big vision into something more tangible for the next three years. Produced in partnership with li.st, Tell Me a Story was a memorable evening of storytelling, live music, and comedy that raised Four key strategic priorities guide the planning for 2015-2018 to better serve students crucial funds to support 826LA. The night’s and strengthen 826LA: theme was the gold standard of organizational writing: lists! Actors and writers Maria Bello, PRIORITY 1 Catherine Keener, Keegan-Michael Key, Deepen programming, slightly expand reach, and focus on underserved students. Al Madrigal, BJ Novak, Bob Odenkirk, and Kristen Schaal read some of their favorites on PRIORITY 2 Grow, retain, and diversify volunteer base. stage. Musical interludes included a set from Best Coast as well as Mariachi Jaguares from PRIORITY 3 Mendez High School. Grow overall fundraising and strengthen brand awareness.

PRIORITY 4 Before the show, students from 826LA’s Youth Continue strengthening operations, process, and culture; and hire, retain, Advisory Board had the opportunity to interview and diversify the staff and Board. celebrity guests on the red carpet. After answering questions about their inspiration and favorite books, the conversation turned to advice. To reach these goals, 826LA needs the support of the entire Bob Odenkirk told the aspiring journalists, community. Take a look at the full strategic plan at www.826LA.org, “When people are young, and they’re students, they feel like, ‘Oh I’m never going to be one of but more importantly, join 826LA in making these big ideas happen. the great writers or one of the great actors,’ but you have to realize that everyone starts where you are. And all you have to do is try, every day.”

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 25 The Time Travel Mart is the convenience store for time travelers.

As the storefront of 826LA, the Time Travel Mart transports visitors to a place where the real time machines are pencils and paper. This liminal space welcomes neighbors in to pick up favorites from yesteryear (like cans of Mammoth Chunks) and to learn about the authors of tomorrow. Student publications are proudly sold alongside books by more established writers. All proceeds benefit 826LA.

Many of the products in the Time Travel Mart were created by volunteers. Through a series of Creative Roundtables, professional writers, artists, and creatives come together to design and write copy for unique space-time continuum-bending products.

Visit us in-store in Mar Vista or Echo Park or online at www.timetravelmart.com!

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 27 TREASURER’S REPORT JULY 1, 2015-JUNE 30, 2016

INTEREST 80% 74% 1% EARNED INCOME 6% 70%

60% INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT 50% 34% EVENTS 28% 40%

30% 19% 20%

10% 7%

0

FOUNDATIONS PROGRAM FUNDRAISING MANAGEMENT 31% SERVICES

TOTAL INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $1,702,710 $1,427,692

826LA Annual Report 2015-16 29 SUPPORTERS

$50,000+ Sappi S.D. Warren Company Debbie and Marty Adelstein Full Frontal, LLC Jeremy Railton Holzman Annenberg Foundation Schwab Charitable Fund Benjamin Blacker and Holly and Ryan Gaglio Renee Ridgeley Kurt Eggert Karisma Foundation Sidhu-Singh Family Foundation Nerdist Writers Panels Google Robert Wood Johnson Deborah Eisenstadt Louis and Carolyn Lucido Sony Pictures Entertainment Blue Bottle Coffee David Goyer Foundation Brian Flaherty Vera R. Campbell Foundation The Gotham Group, Inc. Brillstein Entertainment Partners Greater Echo Park Elysian David Rocklin and Jill Gillett Nina Savelle-Rocklin Weingart Foundation The Joan Leidy Foundation CAA Foundation Neighborhood Council Dan Goor Jonathan Schroeder Time Warner Cable Grant and Virginia DeVaul Chris Hardwick Jay Gordon $25,000+ Shapiro Family Foundation Paul F. Tompkins and Rebecca and Mattis Goldman Christopher Harris Laura Hertzfeld Anonymous the Dead Authors Podcast Hurley Miller Family Fund Aldis Hodge Brad Simpson and Jocelyn Hayes-Simpson Souris Hong Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann WGN America Tegan Jones and Samuel Mercer Claire Hoffman and Naomi Sobel and Becky Matthew Hsu Bad Robot Productions, Inc. Danielle LaPorte Ben Goldhirsh $5,000+ Silverstein IBM Employee Charitable City of Los Angeles, Krystyn and Al Madrigal Heather Hudoba Contribution Campaign Department of Cultural Affairs AMC Barbara and John St. Thomas MEP Foundation Gale Anne Hurd Amanda and Rick Jaffa Critical Role Productions Anonymous Joel Stein Seth Meyers Marc Evan Jackson and Ken Jeong and Critters Maya Burkenroad Beth Hagenlocker Hollie Stenson and Paul Keister Nancy E. Barton Foundation Lirona Kadosh and Diane and Dorothy Brooks Matthew and Christy Cherniss John. F. Welch, Jr. Foundation Eric Stonestreet Foundation Conan O’Brien Ethan Goldstine City National Bank Katherine Joyce Danny Sullivan Terena and Anders Eisner Pixar Animation Studios Leonard Kreutner Carrie Clifford and Paul Boese Kayne Anderson Capital Brian Sumers and Katie Murphy Tai Lopez Shear Comfort Jennifer Laird Cole Haan Advisors The Eisner Foundation Los Angeles Times Family Fund Patrick F. and Sarah L. Spears Linda Lamontagne Color Force Jeff Kinney The Last Bookstore The Los Angeles Fund Jessica and Alan Lee Rose Hills Foundation Keith Kirk Patrick Townzen Disney VoluntEARS for Public Education Jonathan Liebman Kira Snyder and Allen Blue Community Fund Susan Ko Brian Vaughan and Ruth McKee Walt Disney Studios Joe Lo Truglio Target David and Lillian Dulan Nick Kroll Debra Vilinsky and Michael Yelp Peter Mattei The Goldhirsh Foundation Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida Greg Kurstin Sopher Tim Meadows The Green Foundation Jodie Evans $1,000+ Gayle Lassen Jon Wax Barbara Meyer The Wylie Agency, Inc. Vince and Lesley Fiorillo 1492 Pictures Thomas Lennon Nick and Stephanie Wechsler Shana Weiss and John Silva Thomas Moore $10,000+ Flanny Productions, LTD. Hilary Angelo Joshua Ludmir Michael Weithorn John Mulaney All Ways Up Foundation HBO Philip and Daniele Barach Aaron Lyons Christopher Weitz Deborah Newmyer Baskin Family Foundation Joyce Green Family Foundation Matthew Barbabella Suzanne Maillard and Stephanie Cha Nora and Peter Wendel Susan Nichols and Boulevard Partners KCRW Trey Many Dick Steinbach Christine Ko Benjamin Blacker and Mary K. and Daniel M. Kelly Byrne Family Foundation Nerdist Writers Panels $500+ Bob and Naomi Odenkirk Shalini and Kamini Malhotra Family Foundation Carol and James Collins Blastoff Comics Jane Anderson and Tess Ayers Kent Osbourne Microsoft Suzanne McRae Foundation Ashlyn Anstee Monique Perez Brookfield Property Partners Rebecca McTavish and Henry and Inell Chase NBC4 PFFR Anne Carroll Jason Woliner John Baird DreamWorks Animation SKG Louise Nutt Shira Piven and Adam McKay Alison Cotter Hillary Mendelsohn Georgina Balian Glasgow Phillips and Heather Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Kim Barnaby Melissa Ray Waters Ted Coyne and Mohawk Bend DeAnna and Kenny Gravillis Karen Bedrosian Coyne Ali Bell Ann Reinhart Rose and David Dortot Andy Molnar Lear Family Foundation Eileen Roggin-Shields and Foundation Cresa Los Angeles Morgan Lewis Aimee Bender Los Angeles County Kevin Shields The Broad Brian Davies B.J. Novak Julie Bowen Arts Commission Christopher Sacca Union Bank Foundation Anand Devarajan Jesse Novak Monique Caulfield National Endowment for the Arts Jeremy Schoenherr Universe Callie Enlow Rosie O’Donnell Greg Collins NBC Universal Media, LLC Ellen Seiden Wilhelm Foundation Samantha Ettus Paramount Pictures Stephanie Courtney PwC Abby Sher Evoke Allyson Pfeifer Chad and Stacy DePue Sylvie and Steve Rabineau $2,500+ Sam Sheridan Langdon Ferguson Keri and Marvin Putnam Paul Dooley and Winnie

31 Anna Short John Leckie James and Dianne Lonergan Samuel Couch Robin Goldstein Julie Klausner Lainie Sorkin Aaron Lee Jonathan Albano Walter Cox Janet and William N. Goodhue Jeremy Klein Soul Pancake Maren Levinson Vivian Alberts Jon Cryer Tanya Goodman Jennifer Klem J. Ryan Stradal Linda Lichter and Norman Marck Eric Anderson Lindsay Crystal Nancy Graham Bianca Ko Cynthia Sweeney Steven Lichtman Anonymous Brett Dalton Francesca Greggs Jay Kogen Maurissa Tancharoen Barbara and Wood Lockhart Antioch University Andrew Daly Jonathan Groff Jonathan Kuhn TBWA\CHIAT\DAY Brett Loncar Scott Armstrong Cheryl Daniels and Peter Grosz Kung Fu Monkey Peter Tolan Nathan Melsted Luis and Elena Arquillos James Eskilson Brie Grousbeck Bruce Labbate Trulove Post Rebekah Meyer Michael Aubry Phyllis Datre Christopher Hagan Timothy Landon Alison Turner and Lou Matthews Netflix Lilian Balasanian David-Michel Davies Michael Hagler and Lindsay Larris Andrew Kevin Walker Shane Nickerson Sara Michealene Ball Patrick Davis Susan Littenberg Ian Larsen Jeremy Weinstein Jack O’Brien Erin Ballew Micah Dedmon Alexander Halaby Pete Lee Vivien Weisman Catherine O’Sullivan Elizabeth Baquet Erin Grey Delisle David Handelman Meghan Leon Casey Wilson Charity O’Sullivan Barnes & Noble Wendy Dembo Cathy and Thomas Hanson Jeffrey Lindsey Al Yankovic Dan Pasternack Katherine Bedrosian Anna DeRoy Doug Happel Joannza Lo Jason Peart Ann Marie Bedtke Cara DiPaolo James Harrelson Robin Lockett $250+ Philippe Perebinossoff Jennie Bedusa Kerris Dorsey Abigail Harris Sara Loncka Anonymous Tara Power Matthew Belknap Vera Duffy Jeffrey Hartline David Loughnot Minhal Baig Nicole Rice and David Malki Rachele Benloulou Gerard Duggan Christopher Hatfield John Lyons Robin Bakay Elizabeth Romaine Dana Besnoy Sean Dunlop Phil Hay Paul Malmont John Baker Gail Roque Barbara Bestor Erik Ebert Eleanor Hazard Julia Markiewicz Isaac Barinholtz Pam Rotberg and Mike Booth Michelle Biloon Tamra Edwards Jon C. and Jo M. Healey Mark McConville Eric and Heidi Brooks Vicki Ruiz and Victor Becerra Peter Blake Billy Eichner Christina Heisser Kevin McGreevy Andrew Cheng Tamar Sagher Michael Blake Bonnie Ellman Heather Henderson Cameron McNall and Carolyn Chuang Theresa Sanchez Dennis Blocker Odin Erickson Kirk Herlitz Margaret Reeve Joseph Cole Linda Siversten Melinda Blum Seamus Fahey Stephanie Hernstadt Anne McNally Sandra and Matt Cormody Anna So Linwood Boomer Nicole Falls Kaitlyn Holmlund Mary McNurlen Culver City High School Caissie St. Onge Maya Booth Blake Fawley Hyunji Hong Nancy Merritt Alexandrea Douglas Lindsay Sturman Mary Clare Bourjaily Matthew Federman Sara and Larry Hyman Michael Mignola Christopher Downey Colin Summers and Nell Scovell Doreen and Jonathan Fener Third Ivy Carina Miller Dorothy Fortenberry Ellen Svaco Stuart Braverman-Rudnick Michael Fioravanti S. Morgan Jeffries James Miller and Laura Geffen Cheryl Nakao-Miller James Swanwick Noel Bright Mickey Fisher William Jensen Asher Goldstein Christopher Milliner The MacArthur Foundation Brent Bushnell Robert Fox Carrie Johnson Daniel Greenberg Robert Minelli Gabriella Thomas Carmen Campeas Seth Frank Marisa and R. Greg Johnston Robert Gregg Nell Minow Patricia Tierney Mark Cappelletty Jessica Furr Elizabeth Kane Nancy Gubin Eugene Mirman Jennifer Tivang Kelli Cardiff Whitney Galitz Timothy Kan Todd Hawkins David Misch Mark Tobin Adam Carolla Christine and Henry Gan Benjamin Kasulke Blake Hazard James Monahan Aisha Tyler Michael Caswell James Gavin Matthew Keadle Jeffrey Hirschman and Lani Monos Kenneth Viste Keith Cavanaugh Roxane Gay Thomas Keane Rhonda Rosales Marc Morgenstern and Sally Willcox Margo Chadwick Benjamin Anton Gigli Catherine Kerr Hot Machine Louise Tutelian Morgenstern Ted Wilm Corey Chan George Gilligan Nancy Keystone Ola Iko David Morse and Merete Rana Cho and Matt Small Paul Gilmartin Laurie Kilmartin Alex Jeffries Eric Zee Rasmussen Joanna Cohen Gimlet Media Mary-Suzanne King Keegan-Michael Key ZogSports MullenLowe Kathleen Conroy Tara Goedjen Becky Kirsch KPMG Thomas and Kimberly Murtaugh $100+ Amy Cotteleer Laurie Goldberg Whitney Kisling Nicholas Kraft Adam Muto G. A. David Cotton & Flax Joshua Goldsmith Laura Kittleson Andrew Laurich Leslie Abbott Zachary Myers 33 Shauna Nep and Jacob Medjuk Ben Schwartz IN-KIND & BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADVISORY BOARD Melissa Nolan Jeffrey Schwartz and PRO-BONO SUPPORT Henry Chase J.J. Abrams Al Madrigal Tig Notaro Donna Middlehurst AmeriCorps VISTA Matthew Cherniss Judd Apatow Tara Roth Ade Nurasih Timothy Simons Amoeba Dave Eggers, Emeritus Miguel Arteta Katie McGrath Conrad Nussbaum David Slack Cacao Mexicatessen Terena Thyne Eisner Mac Barnett R. Scott Mitchell Erin O’Connor George Smith Cole Haan Jodie Evans Steve Barr Lani Monos E. Martin Olson Michele Spears Reuben Cox Scott Ginsburg Joshuah Bearman B.J. Novak Laura Steinel Rochelle Goodman Rebecca Goldman Father Greg Boyle, S.J. Jane Patterson John and Lisa Orman Donald Stemes Headspace DeAnna Gravillis Stefan G. Bucher Keri Putnam Michael Palmer Brian Stern ITAL/C Terri Hernandez Rosales Mark Flanagan Sylvie Rabineau Iva-Marie Palmer Bradley Stevens Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Claire Hoffman Ben Goldhirsh Sonja Rasula Norma and Tony Panoringan Denise Stockton Los Angeles Times Festival of Christine Jaroush Ellen Goldsmith-Vein Luis J. Rodriguez Susan Parker Kyle Stout Books Susan Ko Nicole Holofcener Brad Simpson John Peterson and Lydia Sullivan and Daniel Meltdown Comics Louis Lucido Spike Jonze J. Ryan Stradal Eckroad Margaret Gordon Morgan Lewis Krystyn Madrigal Miranda July Sarah Vowell Superego Jay Phelan Mykes Cafe Inc. Catherine Keener Sally Willcox John Susoeff Keith Phipps Sandra Nelson Keith Knight Robert and Delia Pierson Phillip Tate Platine Sweets & Savories Larry Pool Sarah Taylor Michael Reyes STAFF Matt Price Thrivent Choice Scout Notebooks Joel Arquillos Rebecca Escoto Executive Director Program Coordinator, Mar Vista Sally Probasco Erin Toerner Todd Searl

Dan Pulver Elizabeth Tynes Netto Paula Sherrin Carolyn Gan Pedro Estrada Adam Raspler Wendy VanLandingham Team One Advertising Development Director Program Coordinator, Echo Park David Rath Michael Vasko Trader Joe’s Silverlake Reeb Venners Kristin Lorey Carinne Mangold James Reichwein verynice Director of Operations Time Travel Mart Store Coordinator Rick Remender Sasha Verma And thousands of volunteers! Sarah and Donald Rice Mari Ann Viray-Galicinao Marisa Urrutia Gedney Kenny Ng Programs Coordinator, Echo Park Frank Rich Liz Vogel Director of In-Schools Joshua Weinstein Programs & College Access Alexander Richanbach Emmanuel Portillo Patrick Ridings Daniel Wilbur Vickie Vértiz Programs Coordinator, Echo Park Ryan Ridley Sue Wohlford Site Director, Mar Vista Chris Wojcieszyn T Sarmina Jennifer Rigney Writers’ Room Coordinator, Jamie Wolf Lauren Humphrey Shellie Riley Volunteer Manager, Mar Vista Manual Arts High School Brian Ronge Luka Yovetich Shawn Silver Laura Rosof Nicholas Zacharczuk LaTesha Adolphus Events Coordinator John Zellers In-Schools Gary Rudoren Program Coordinator Richard Rushfield Rachel Mendelsohn Stephanie Sacker Mariesa Arrañaga Kubasek Designer Volunteer Coordinator, Echo Park Patricia Salvaty AMERICORPS VISTA MEMBERS Spencer Sands Alejandra Castillo Raquel Olvera Amy Savagian Program Coordinator, Mar Vista Communications & Marketing Assistant Robin Schiff Rob Schrab Mike Dunbar Michael Reyes Programs Coordinator, Volunteer Outreach & Mar Vista Retention Assistant THANK YOU!

826LA EIN: 38-3722092 826LA Annual Report 2015-16 35 826LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. 826LA’s services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

826LA IN MAR VISTA 826LA IN ECHO PARK

12515 VENICE BOULEVARD 1714 W. SUNSET BOULEVARD

LOS ANGELES, CA 90066 826LA.ORG LOS ANGELES, CA 90026 Facebook: facebook.com/826LA Instagram and Twitter: @826LA