December 2017
Launch of New WDACS Website
On December 4th, WDACS
launched a new, departmental website. This modern, visually-appealing website streamlines content
navigation while serving as a one-stop location for accessing information
about departmental services, events and initiatives. Please visit our new site and learn about services that you may qualify for at wdacs.lacounty.gov. We welcome
your feedback and suggestions.
 Veterans America's Job Center of California Grand Opening
On November 8, 2017, the County of Los Angeles celebrated the grand opening of the Veterans America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), a new job center located in downtown Los Angeles at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall that develops, leads, and supports regional employment and training initiatives for Veterans.
Los Angeles County has the largest number of veterans in the nation, with approximately 300,000 veterans living in the County. Veterans are more likely to have a higher unemployment rate than the general population. Click below for full press release.
HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program
The HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program prepares residents of Los Angeles County for skilled labor careers to support the $15 billion capital improvement program at Los Angeles International Airport. Through various supportive services and resources provided by the Los Angeles County America's Job Centers of California (AJCC), we have opened doors for residents in need of employment.
The first cohort of HireLAX comprised of 30 students, 27 of which were enrolled through one of our AJCCs. 6 students have already been offered apprenticeship opportunities by 5 other contractors. These individuals will be moving forward on to the Carpenters, Laborers, and Electricians Apprenticeship programs.
Homeless Services Job Fair
As a result of Measure H funding, there are over 600 new positions in the Los Angeles Area’s homeless service delivery system, ranging from entry-level vacancies to management and executive level positions. WDACS is collaborating with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department, the L.A. City Mayor’s Office, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, United Way of Greater Los Angeles and nearly 30 employers to host a regional job fair for Homeless Services providers. The Job Fair will occur on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 8:30 am-2pm at Los Angeles City Hall. Click Here for more information.
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Hate Crime Report Press Conference
On November 16, 2017, WDACS and the Human Relations
Commission held a Press Conference to release the 2016 Report on Hate
Crime in Los Angeles County. There were 482 hate crimes reported, only one less than 2015, which saw a 24% increase from the previous year and reached its highest total since 2011. The report contains statistics, graphics, and more detailed information on the hate crimes from 2016.
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 Thanksgiving Celebrations & Turkey Giveaways
This year, our 14 Community and Senior Centers continued the tradition of hosting Turkey Giveaways so that families throughout the County of Los Angeles could celebrate Thanksgiving with delicious turkey on the table. First District Supervisor Hilda Solis, and WDACS Director Cynthia Banks, were an integral part of of the Turkey Giveaway at our San Gabriel Valley Service Center as part of the Supervisor's annual Operation Gobble Gobble Campaign. They had the wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and personally give away turkeys. Our Centers distributed 343 turkeys to Los Angeles County residents.
We want to thank all of our donors for the Turkey Giveaways, luncheons, and other Thanksgiving celebrations that we hosted throughout the County:
Supervisor Hilda Solis
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas
Supervisor Janice Hahn
Assemblymember Ian Calderon
Senator Ed Hernandez
Senator Tony Mendoza
California Water Service
Honorable Congresswoman Judy Chiu
International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU)
Centers Holiday Celebrations
December is a busy time at our Centers, as they prepare for a variety of holiday dinners, formals and other festivities. Several of our Centers, including Centro Maravilla, the East Los Angeles Service Center, East Rancho Dominguez and the Santa Clarita Valley Service Center, will collect and distribute toys to children in need. Toy distribution is through application as supplies are limited. On December 19, 2017 at 5pm, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard will attend the 3rd Annual Holiday Dinner at our East Los Angeles Service Center. For a list of notable events occurring in December throughout our Centers, click HERE.
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New Freedom Taxicab Services Program
Following approval by the Board of Supervisors on November 14, 2017, WDACS launched the New Freedom Taxicab Services Program effective December 1, 2017. The program provides older adults and disabled adults with free taxicab rides to meet their transportation needs. Individuals are encouraged to apply online at http://newfreedom.lacounty.gov, by emailing newfreedom@wdacs.lacounty.gov or by calling (888) 863-7411.
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 Aging Mastery Program Graduation
In November, approximately 40 older adults graduated from the innovative Aging Mastery Program hosted at the Antelope Valley Senior Center and the San Pedro Service Center. The Aging Mastery Program empowers older adults to develop proactive behaviors that lead to improved health, enhanced financial security and increased social participation. A third cohort will complete the Program in January 2018 at Potrero Heights Park Community and Senior Center. The County launched the Aging Mastery Program as part of the multi-year Purposeful Aging Los Angeles initiative.
Korean Delegation Visit
On November 13, 2017, our Aging & Adult Services Branch hosted 24 members of the Korean delegation. Adult Protective Services Program staff presented the delegation with information on the programs and services we provide. The members of the delegation displayed a keen interest in our responsibilities and asked several questions resulting in an interactive presentation. The Korean delegation who visited are government workers from different parts of Korea and were visiting Los Angeles for the first time. The presentation was very successful and the delegation expressed their gratitude for what they learned.
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Bringing Our Love Ones Home (BOLOH) Final Task Force Meeting
Bringing Our Loved Ones Home (BOLOH) Task Force will hold its
final meeting to approve a plan to the Board of Supervisors for
establishing a countywide system to expedite the recovery time of
individuals who wander from their families and caregivers, such as
individuals with Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Autism. The
meeting will occur on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 1pm-3pm at
the Hall of Administration. Click Here
for more information.
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