What happens when you bring together amazing families, caring volunteers, Penny Lane staff, and generous community partners? A day full of smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Ares and Wedbush, along with their amazing volunteers and our dedicated Penny Lane staff, Penny Lane families enjoyed a special day at the LA Zoo filled with fun, adventure, and plenty of happy moments. Families had the chance to explore the animals, enjoy delicious food, participate in arts and crafts, and most importantly, spend quality time together creating lasting memories.
For many of the children and families we serve, opportunities like this provide much more than a fun day out—they offer a chance to step away from everyday challenges, strengthen family bonds, and experience the simple joy of being together. Watching children light up as they discovered new animals, shared laughs with siblings, and proudly showed off their artwork was a beautiful reminder of the power that community support can have in creating meaningful experiences.
The day was filled with excitement, curiosity, and countless moments of wonder. From watching playful primates swing through the trees to spotting majestic giraffes and colorful birds, every corner of the zoo offered something new to discover. Volunteers and staff helped create an atmosphere where families felt welcomed, supported, and free to simply enjoy being together.
We are so grateful to Ares and Wedbush for making this experience possible and for continuing to support the children, youth, and families we serve. Their generosity helped create a day where families felt celebrated, valued, and surrounded by a caring community.
A huge thank you also goes to all of the wonderful volunteers and Penny Lane staff who brought so much energy, kindness, and joy to the event. Your helping hands during registration, the arts and crafts activities, positive attitudes, caring hearts, and big smiles helped make the day run smoothly and made every family feel welcomed. You helped turn a trip to the zoo into a truly special experience!
Events like this are a wonderful reminder of what can happen when businesses, volunteers, and nonprofits come together with a shared purpose. Through partnerships like these, we are able to create opportunities that inspire hope, strengthen connections, and remind our families that they are supported by an entire community cheering them on.
At Penny Lane, we know that moments of joy and connection matter. Experiences like this remind our families that they are part of a community that cares and believes in creating opportunities for happiness, hope, and togetherness.
Thank you, Ares, Wedbush, and all the volunteers for helping us create a day full of laughter, adventure, and memories that our families will cherish. You truly made this day "wildly" amazing!
Check out some more photos by clicking on the PHOTO link below!
For the second consecutive year, the PLC Commerce office proudly celebrated Pride by hosting a special event dedicated to honoring, supporting, and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. The celebration brought together staff, community members, and partners for a day centered on inclusion, wellness, education, and connection. Attendees had access to a variety of meaningful activities, including HIV testing, an educational workshop, a community resource fair, and food and refreshments. These offerings reflect our ongoing commitment to promoting health, providing valuable resources, and creating opportunities for meaningful community engagement.
Beyond the activities, the event created a welcoming space where people could come together, build new connections, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our community. Whether visiting resource booths, participating in conversations, or simply enjoying time together, attendees experienced the sense of belonging that lies at the heart of Pride. Moments like these remind us that community is built not only through services, but through shared experiences that foster acceptance, understanding, and hope.
During a time when many members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face uncertainty and challenges, celebrations like this serve as an important reminder of the power of visibility, allyship, and compassion. Creating safe, affirming spaces where everyone feels respected, celebrated, and supported is more important than ever. We are especially grateful to be part of an agency like Penny Lane, whose unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals continues to inspire and strengthen our work every day.
This event also showcased what is possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose. Through collaboration, education, and community partnerships, we can continue creating opportunities that empower individuals, improve access to essential resources, and ensure every person knows they belong. As we celebrate Pride Month and beyond, Penny Lane remains committed to standing alongside the LGBTQ+ community and helping build a future where everyone can thrive.
This celebration would not have been possible without the generous support and partnership of Loving Hands, DCFS Belvedere, and SPIRIT. Their contributions helped make this event a meaningful and successful experience for everyone who attended. We thank them for standing with us in creating a stronger, more inclusive community and look forward to continuing these partnerships for years to come.
-Rafael Lopez, Penny Lane Centers
Check out some more photos below!
Congratulations to our June YAYA Award recipient, Ariana Luna, CFS! Ariana has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the youth and families she serves, making a meaningful impact through her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. Her ability to build strong relationships while connecting families with valuable community resources throughout the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley has made her an invaluable member of the Penny Lane team.
Ariana is known for her collaborative spirit and thoughtful approach to supporting families. Whether coordinating with teammates, advocating for clients, or developing intentional treatment plans, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every family receives the care and support they deserve. Her positive attitude, strong communication skills, and willingness to work alongside others exemplify the values that make Penny Lane such a special place.
Her team shared, "Ariana is dedicated, committed, and compassionate in everything that she does. The families that we work with together have nothing but amazing things to say about her. She's thoughtful in her approach, intentional with her treatment planning, and consistently goes above and beyond the support that she gives. She does an excellent job communicating with her team and collaborating with others."
Congratulations, Ariana, on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for the heart, dedication, and excellence you bring to Penny Lane every day. Your commitment to helping children, youth, and families thrive truly embodies the spirit of the YAYA Award.
-Mark Cruz, Penny Lane Centers
-Naomi Novak, Penny Lane Centers
