Extends Free Mental Health Therapy &
Mutual Aid to Communities Impacted by Fires
Commits 100% of Funds Raised at Annual
Celebration Gala to Relief Efforts
LOS
ANGELES, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- REACH
LA, a community-based organization serving LGBTQIA+ people of
color in LA with free mental health therapy, sexual and physical
health testing and treatment, along with social enterprise and
creative arts programming, has announced an emergency response to
assist communities devastated by recent fires.
"we are supporting those affected by
providing free therapy and creating a resource center for essential
aid."
With a significant portion of its own community impacted by the
fires, including those in the historically Black neighborhood of
Altadena, REACH LA has pledged to
dedicate 100% of the funds raised at its upcoming annual gala on
February 15th at Union Station to
fire relief efforts. In addition, beginning Tuesday, January 21st, the organization will
extend its services to the general public offering 100% free mental
health therapy services (regardless of immigration status or
insurance), and will convert its offices into a Community Response
Hub.
To convenience those without access to transportation, REACH
LA's Mental Health Services will be offered both in-person and
virtually. Individuals can email mentalhealth@reachla.org to access
these services.
The Community Response Hub will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
and Thursdays, with appointment windows between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM as well as
2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
The response hub will include:
- Drop-off / Pick-up of clothing and necessities
- Transportation from REACH LA's offices (generously donated by
UBER)
- Resources for TAP cards
- Free printing of vital documents
- Connection to essential resources
- A safe space for community, connection, and support
"Our hearts are broken by the devastation caused by the fires,
but even more so by the profound impact on thousands of
individuals, including low-income families and marginalized
communities," said Miguel Bujanda,
CEO of REACH LA. "Many have faced a double blow, losing
generational homes in the Eaton Fire and their livelihoods in the
Palisades Fire. At REACH LA, we are dedicated to supporting those
affected by providing free therapy and creating a resource center
for essential aid. This is a time for collective action, and we'll
be here for as long as it takes."
With its annual gala just weeks away, REACH LA has taken the
significant step of committing all funds raised to support fire
relief efforts and will also donate tickets and tables to impacted
residents. Hosted by Bob the Drag Queen and Monét X
Change, the gala will honor musician and songwriter,
Jessica Betts, who will be
introduced by her wife, Niecy
Nash-Betts, Peppermint, align with
Activist, Author and Creator Blair
Imani will also be honored. Attendees will also have the
opportunity to receive a complimentary tattoo on-site.
"After experiencing so much sadness and heartache, we wanted to
create a moment of reprieve and joy for those affected by the
fires," said Stephen Morales,
President of REACH LA's Board of Directors. "We've already had many
brand partners donate tables to community members who were
impacted. We hope this event will give them a night to remember,
surrounded by community, laughter, and celebration."
Tickets and tables are available now at $300 per ticket and $3,000 per table. The organization has a
funding goal of $500,000. For more
information, visit www.reachla.info/gala or follow on
@REACH_LA on social media.
About REACH LA
REACH LA's mission is to engage, empower, and celebrate LGBTQIA+
people of color and their communities through social enterprise,
creative arts, personal development, and health and wellness.
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SOURCE REACH LA
