At Universal Studios Hollywood, we value our Guests, each other and our community. We recognize the importance of supporting the communities and neighborhoods where we all live, work and play – and we take pride in making a positive impact in the Los Angeles area.
To help address the most critical needs in our community, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Discover A Star is closing out 2022 by awarding more than $500,000 to 15 charitable organizations in the Los Angeles area.
“Now more than ever, the work of beneficiaries is so vital to serving tens of thousands of individuals in Los Angeles,” said Scott Strobl, President of Discover A Star and General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood. “Through Discover A Star, we remain committed to these incredible organizations and their efforts to provide much needed programming and resources to those most vulnerable.”
Discover A Star was established in 1995 to support local organizations and projects that empower individuals and families to lead more productive and fulfilling lives, with a focus on addressing issues surrounding alleviating poverty and children facing critical illness. Since its inception, Discover A Star has raised more than $10.5 million and has provided financial assistance to over 65 nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County.
Learn more about this year’s grant recipients below:
Covenant House California – $75,000 to support expansion of Hollywood site and rapid rehousing programs for homeless youth.
Downtown Women’s Center – $75,000 to support programs for women experiencing homelessness including bridge, permanent supportive housing and Whole Women’s Saturday enrichment program.
My Friend’s Place – $75,000 to support expansion of services supporting homeless youth and transitional age young adults.
Homeboy Industries – $50,000 to support comprehensive 18-month Re-Entry and Healing Program focusing on education, employment readiness and mental health for formerly incarcerated individuals.
LA Regional Foodbank – $50,000 to support a program providing backpacks of fresh and nutritious food to children, ensuring that those who rely on school meals don’t go hungry over the weekend.
A Place Called Home – $25,000 to support health, nutrition and well-being program for youth in South Central Los Angeles.
A Window Between Worlds – $25,000 to provide scholarships for art therapy facilitator training at L.A. County human services organizations that focus on youth and underserved families.
Assistance League Los Angeles – $25,000 to support Operation School Bell program which provides clothing and school supplies to LAUSD students in need and Foster Children’s Resource Center which provides critical supplies to children in foster care.
Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration – $25,000 to support the Together We Are Able classroom program that promotes inclusion, respect and diversity to unite children of all abilities.
MEND – $25,000 to support community nourishment program which provides over 3 million pounds of food annually to individuals and families in need.
School on Wheels – $25,000 to support programs aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for homeless children from Kindergarten through grade 12.
Valley Family Center – $25,000 to support Children’s Psychoeducational Services Program, which provides counseling and services for children who are dealing with the effects of poverty and exposure to violence, abuse or neglect.
Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles – $15,000 to fulfill the wishes of children between the ages of 2½ and 18 who confront critical medical conditions.
Piece by Piece – $15,000 to support a program that teaches individuals who have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity the art of mosaic making – enabling them to build confidence, earn supplementary income and an improve their quality of life.
Project Angel Food – $15,000 to support home delivered meals and nutritional counseling program for individuals living with critical illnesses.