Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lina Lumme. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss how The Youth Center serves an underserved community. The Youth Center has been dedicated to serving children since 1952, and our commitment to the community has never wavered. We believe that every child deserves an opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
One way we serve an underserved community is by keeping kids off the streets. Our organization is located in an area where many children face challenges such as economic hardship, limited access to educational resources, and a lack of safe recreational opportunities. By providing a safe and welcoming space for children to engage in enriching activities, we ensure that they have a positive and productive alternative to the streets. This is crucial in preventing youth from getting involved in risky behaviors and giving them a chance for a better future.
Another important aspect of our work is providing scholarships to low-income families. Many families in our community struggle to make ends meet, and the cost of extracurricular activities and educational support can be a barrier to their children’s development. The Youth Center believes that financial constraints should not hinder a child’s access to these opportunities. We offer scholarships that enable disadvantaged children to participate in our programs, helping them develop skills, build confidence, and pursue their passions.
Furthermore, we collaborate with other nonprofit organizations to further support families in becoming independent. By partnering with organizations that offer essential services such as food assistance, housing support, and job training, we are part of a network that helps families in need break the cycle of poverty. Our goal is to create a holistic support system that empowers families to become self-sufficient.
One compelling story that illustrates the impact of our work is our proximity to the Joint Forces Training Base, which allows us to serve many military families. Military families often face unique challenges due to frequent relocations and deployments. Our programs provide a stable and nurturing environment for the children of these families, offering them continuity and support during challenging times. By doing so, we alleviate some of the burdens that military families experience, helping to ensure the well-being of both the children and their parents.
During the holidays, through our Adopt a Family Program, The Youth Center takes its commitment to the community a step further. We provide gifts, groceries, basic needs items, and even Christmas trees for struggling families. This initiative brings joy and relief to families who may not have the means to celebrate the holidays as they would like. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the positive impact we have on our community.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of our commitment is that since 1952, The Youth Center has not declined a single scholarship request. This underlines our unwavering dedication to making sure that every child in our underserved community has the opportunity to reach their full potential. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about the lives we touch and the futures we shape.
In conclusion, The Youth Center serves an underserved community by keeping kids off the streets, providing scholarships to low-income families, partnering with other nonprofits to support families in becoming independent, and assisting military families. Our Adopt a Family Program during the holidays further exemplifies our commitment. We have remained steadfast in our mission since 1952, ensuring that no child is left behind, and no family is without hope.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I appreciate the opportunity to share more about myself and The Youth Center, a nonprofit organization that has been making a meaningful impact on children and our community. My name is Lina Lumme, and I am an immigrant to America. I’ve always had a deep-seated commitment to community service, and that passion led me to become deeply involved with nonprofit organizations. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to professional growth by obtaining certificates in Volunteer Management, Executive Directors Leadership, and Nonprofit Management.
I got into the nonprofit world through a deeply personal and transformative experience. In 2003, I found myself homeless, a situation that I never could have imagined. It was during this time that my life took a pivotal turn. My journey to the nonprofit world began when I encountered a compassionate volunteer who played a significant role in changing my life. This volunteer, with a heart full of empathy and kindness, helped me find my way to a local shelter in Los Alamitos where I could access basic necessities and some semblance of safety and security. Their act of kindness and support during my darkest moments left an indelible mark on my heart.
Through that experience of being on the receiving end of such selfless help, I learned a profound lesson about the power of human compassion and the impact it can have on the lives of those in need. It became clear to me that if I ever had the opportunity to get out of the difficult situation I found myself in, I would dedicate my life to helping others in similar circumstances. It was a promise I made to myself during those challenging times.
Since 2005, I have remained steadfast in fulfilling that promise. I entered the nonprofit world with a burning desire to give back, to be a source of support and hope for others who were struggling as I once did. I have committed my life to making a difference, to being that beacon of assistance for those in need, and to working tirelessly to create a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing hardships.
My journey from homelessness to nonprofit service is a testament to the transformational power of empathy, and it has driven my unwavering dedication to the nonprofit sector. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope, and that hope can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in both our own lives and the lives of others. This experience has been the driving force behind my work in the nonprofit world, and it continues to inspire me every day.
Since January 2010, I have had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director/CEO of The Youth Center. This role has allowed me to contribute to the growth and impact of an organization that truly makes a difference for children and is at the heart of our community. The Youth Center offers a wide range of programs and services, all designed to help children be the best they can be.
At The Youth Center, we provide various services, such as our After School Academy, which offers a safe and enriching environment for children to learn and grow. We also offer music education, tutoring, and our Leadership Academy, where children can develop valuable life skills and leadership qualities.
Our Summer Camp SHARK and Teen Camp programs provide opportunities for children to have fun, make friends, and explore new interests during the summer months. We also offer programs like Girls in STEM, aimed at encouraging young girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
What sets The Youth Center apart is our unwavering dedication to empowering children and making a lasting impact on their lives. We believe in creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children can flourish, learn, and grow. Our organization is not just a place for children to go after school; it’s a center of our community, where we foster a sense of belonging and provide opportunities for personal development.
I am incredibly proud of the positive changes we have brought to the lives of countless children through The Youth Center. Our commitment to education, community engagement, and personal growth has garnered recognition and accolades, but what truly matters is the impact we have on the children we serve.
The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about The Youth Center and myself is that we are dedicated to creating a better future for our community’s children. We believe in the potential of every child and are committed to providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Our impact extends beyond the programs we offer, as we strive to foster a sense of empowerment, belonging, and personal growth in every child who walks through our doors.
In 2022, I was honored to be named the Woman of the Year by the California State Assembly, and in 2023, I received a 2023 Inspirational Women Award from County of Orange, which was a testament to the far-reaching impact of our work. The recognition and accolades we have received serve as a reminder that when we invest in our children and provide them with the tools they need to succeed, we create a brighter future for everyone.
In conclusion, my journey and the work of The Youth Center are driven by exceptional leadership, boundless dedication, and an unwavering commitment to community service. We are a beacon of hope and empowerment for children, and we are deeply committed to making a positive change in the lives of those we serve.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What has really helped me build my reputation within my market is a combination of factors that I hold close to my professional philosophy. First and foremost, I believe in the power of collaboration and surrounding myself with a network of knowledgeable individuals whom I affectionately refer to as my “personal Board of Directors.” These are people I trust and turn to when I don’t have all the answers. Their insights, expertise, and collective wisdom have been invaluable in guiding me and my organization to success.
Another critical aspect that has contributed to my reputation is my unrelenting commitment to continuous learning and professional development. I firmly believe that staying relevant and effective in any field requires a dedication to learning and growth. Every day, I seek to expand my knowledge, whether it’s through reading books, listening to podcasts, or engaging with a professional coach. This commitment to personal and professional improvement not only keeps me informed about the latest trends and best practices but also helps me adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing landscape.
One pivotal piece of advice from one of my mentors has left an enduring impact on my approach to my work. They emphasized the importance of understanding competition in any industry. While there will always be multiple options for consumers, my mentor encouraged me to shift my perspective from competition to excellence. They explained that people will consistently choose a product or service provider because they perceive it to be the best. It’s not about competing for attention; it’s about focusing on consistently delivering the best product and service.
This wisdom has become a guiding principle in my work, particularly in the nonprofit sector. We recognize that there are numerous organizations and options available for those who seek our services. To stand out and build our reputation as the best nonprofit serving children in our area, we prioritize providing the highest quality programs and support. This approach has helped us gain the trust of our community, and it’s the reason we are considered a go-to resource for children and families.
In essence, it’s about a holistic commitment to learning, collaborating with a supportive network, and adhering to a philosophy of providing the best in our industry that has contributed to building my reputation and that of my organization within our market. We are not driven by competition, but by the unwavering dedication to delivering the most exceptional service and support to those we serve, which is what truly sets us apart.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
Certainly, there have been challenging moments in the history of our organization, notably during the economic downturn in 2008 and the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These were times when the very existence of our nonprofit was at stake, and they tested our resilience and adaptability.
In 2008, as the economy took a downturn, many nonprofits faced significant financial challenges. We too experienced the pressure of looming financial constraints and the uncertainty of meeting payroll. Instead of retreating or closing our doors, we made a deliberate choice to take a different approach. We recognized the importance of our work and the impact we had on the community, especially during challenging times.
To navigate these close calls, we decided to extend our center’s operating hours, providing even more support to our community. We knew that the need for our services was greater than ever, and we couldn’t turn our backs on those who depended on us. Simultaneously, we embarked on a fundraising campaign with a heightened sense of transparency. We shared stories of the clients we served, their struggles, and our own financial challenges.
What truly set us apart during these times was our collective commitment to thinking outside the box. We brought together our entire team of staff and board members to brainstorm and innovate. We explored new avenues for fundraising, embraced technology, and found creative ways to connect with our supporters and donors, even when traditional fundraising events seemed unfeasible.
Then, in 2020, the world faced an unprecedented crisis with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many organizations struggled to adapt to the new realities of lockdowns and restrictions, we once again chose a path of resilience. We refused to let the pandemic define our limitations.
While many organizations canceled their gala events or moved them to virtual platforms, we embarked on a bold endeavor. We deconstructed our major event to create a unique and personalized experience for each guest. By spreading out the event over different times, guests could still enjoy elements like silent auctions, dancing, and dinner, but in a socially distanced and safe manner.
The key to our approach during these critical moments was our refusal to accept the impossible. We believe that challenges are opportunities in disguise. Rather than giving up, we persisted, and we were rewarded with innovative solutions that allowed us to not only survive but thrive.
Our organization is built on the foundation of resilience and a refusal to give up. We are survivors, and we take our dedicated supporters, staff, and board members on this journey with us. We’ve learned that life would be far too boring if we simply gave up when faced with adversity. Instead, we choose to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to our mission and community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theyouthcenter.org/
- Instagram: https://theyouthcenter.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyouthcenter.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linalumme/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-youth-center-los-alamitos
- Other: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/the-youth-center
Image Credits
Crystal Hearts Ball photo with husband Hans Lumme