CFRC Corner: Creating Opportunities, Changing Lives

August 3, 2026

Backpacks, Belonging & Bright Beginnings ⭐

On July 27, 2026, Penny Lane's CFRC North Hills and RSS/RHAS North Hills came together to host a Back-to-School Backpack Distribution at our North Hollywood location, bringing families, staff, volunteers, and community partners together to help students prepare for a successful school year. This meaningful collaboration reflected our shared commitment to ensuring that every child has the resources and support they need to begin the school year with confidence.

At Penny Lane, we believe that embracing diversity and fostering inclusion strengthens our community. Families from many different backgrounds came together to celebrate, connect, and receive essential resources that help every child feel prepared and excited for the year ahead.

More than 200 brand-new backpacks were distributed to elementary, middle, and high school students. Each backpack was filled with essential school supplies and a reusable water bottle, providing students with the tools they need for academic success. Families also had the opportunity to receive school uniforms and clothing, helping ease another important back-to-school expense.

From the moment families arrived, they were warmly welcomed by Penny Lane's dedicated staff, whose kindness and enthusiasm created a fun, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere. Guests also enjoyed delicious hamburgers from In-N-Out, giving families an opportunity to gather, connect, and enjoy quality time together while celebrating the start of a new school year.

The day was about much more than distributing backpacks—it was a celebration of community, compassion, and collaboration. Seeing children proudly select their new backpacks, neighbors connect with one another, and families express their heartfelt gratitude was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when we work together in support of our community.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success, including our dedicated staff, volunteers, and the teams from CFRC North Hills and RSS/RHAS North Hills. Your generosity, teamwork, and commitment helped create a memorable day for hundreds of children and their families. Together, we continue empowering hopes and dreams while building a stronger, more connected community.

-Anna Macedo, Penny Lane Centers

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Basketball Summer Clinic Builds Skills On and Off the Court

This summer, Penny Lane's Bombers Basketball Summer Clinic gave young athletes the opportunity to strengthen their basketball skills while developing the confidence, resilience, and life skills that help them succeed far beyond the court. Designed to promote healthy youth development, the clinic created a positive and supportive environment where every participant was encouraged to grow as both an athlete and an individual.

Throughout the program, youth learned the fundamentals of basketball—including dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and teamwork—under the guidance of Coach Danny and his dedicated assistants. As participants practiced new techniques and challenged themselves each day, they gained confidence in their abilities while discovering the value of perseverance and hard work.

The clinic focused on much more than athletic development. Through positive coaching, structured activities, and meaningful encouragement, participants built strong connections with caring adults who served as mentors and role models. These supportive relationships fostered a sense of belonging and helped reinforce the protective factors that empower young people to thrive both now and in the future.

Teamwork was at the heart of every practice and activity. Players learned to communicate effectively, support one another, and work together toward shared goals. Along the way, they strengthened friendships, developed empathy and mutual respect, and built social and emotional skills that will benefit them in school, at home, and throughout their communities.

As the Basketball Summer Clinic came to a close, participants walked away with much more than improved basketball fundamentals. They gained greater self-confidence, resilience, stronger social connections, and the knowledge that they are part of a community that believes in their potential. These experiences help lay the foundation for lifelong success both on and off the court.

We are incredibly proud of every young athlete who participated and extend our heartfelt thanks to Coach Danny, our volunteers, and the families who made this summer's clinic such a rewarding experience. Together, we continue empowering hopes and dreams by creating opportunities for youth to grow, connect, and thrive—one practice, one game, and one child at a time.

-Karla Dunn, Penny Lane Centers

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Kick and Connect: Youth Soccer Clinic

Inspired by the excitement and global spirit surrounding the FIFA World Cup, Penny Lane's Kick and Connect: Youth Soccer Clinic gave children and youth the opportunity to experience the joy of soccer while staying active, building confidence, and making new friends. Hosted at Soccer Spot and led by Coach Geo, the clinic created a fun, welcoming environment where every participant was encouraged to learn, grow, and discover a love for the game.

Throughout the clinic, participants developed fundamental soccer skills while strengthening their confidence through positive coaching and encouragement. Whether they were learning to dribble, pass, or work together as a team, every activity was designed to help youth build both athletic ability and self-esteem in a supportive setting.

The experience extended well beyond the soccer field. As children practiced communication, teamwork, perseverance, and respect, they also developed important social and emotional skills that contribute to healthy youth development. By encouraging one another, celebrating successes, and overcoming challenges together, participants built meaningful peer connections and learned valuable lessons they can carry into school, home, and everyday life.

To celebrate their hard work and dedication, each participant received a soccer ball and backpack to encourage continued play and practice at home. These gifts served as a reminder that learning doesn't end when the clinic concludes—it continues every time they step onto a field, practice a new skill, or share the game with friends and family.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Coach Geo, our staff, volunteers, and families for helping make the Kick and Connect: Youth Soccer Clinic such a memorable experience. Together, we continue empowering hopes and dreams by creating opportunities for children and youth to stay active, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills through the power of sports and community.

-Karla Lopez, Penny Lane Centers

Check out some more photos below!