Who We Are

Group photo of diverse young people outdoors on a sunny day with trees and blue sky in the background.
Graphic illustration of the phrase 'Legacy Lab' in bold yellow graffiti-style text with black and white outlines.

Legacy LA's mission is to make positive interventions in the lives of young people by offering alternatives to gangs and violence through hands-on development of dreams. Legacy LA builds the capacity of youth to reach their full potential and equips them with tools to transform their lives and community.

Founded in 2007 by former Ramona Gardens neighborhood resident Maria "Lou" Calanche, Legacy LA addresses the impact of multi-generational gang violence and low educational attainment in Ramona Gardens in Boyle Heights and surrounding neighborhoods in the City of Los Angeles. Built in 1941, Ramona Gardens is one of the City's oldest public housing developments and is home to approximately 2,000 residents, primarily Latino, in 498 units of affordable housing for very low-income families.

Our Values

  • We see past our limitations. We envision a better world, and then we courageously create it. We dream big.

  • We do what’s right for its own sake. We are the change we want to see in the world. We become better together every day. We carry ourselves with the utmost integrity.

  • Each individual makes up the whole of the world we are creating. Everyone is welcome. Everyone has a place. When we care for one, we care for all. Together, we care for the community.

What We Do

  • Youth Programs

    We offer a wide variety of programming for youth that:

    Develops their leadership capacity

    Provides academic intervention & personal development

    Supports them in achieving their dreams

    Group of people, including children and adults, posing in front of a colorful mural with a rainbow and indigenous face artwork, some on scaffolding, outdoors.

  • Family Support

    We offer hands-on programming for families that:

    Provides constant support to Legacy LA parents

    Gives caring & safe spaces for all loved ones

    Revitalizes & enriches the home life

    A group of women sitting together in a living room, gathered around a coffee table with snacks and drinks, engaging in conversation.

  • Community Empowerment

    We advocate for the community in ways that:

    Expand the capacity of everyone building a better Ramona Gardens

    Provide opportunities for closer connection & greater involvement

    Open doors to enact real infrastructure change

    Four individuals standing outside in front of a sign for the Los Angeles Human Services Department, holding folders and standing on a sidewalk with trees, a city street, and residential buildings in the background.

What People Are Saying

  • “Legacy LA is a home. A safe and brave space for many young people. Having worked as a Case Manager for the last 3 years, I have witnessed first hand how Legacy LA transforms lives. Through the years, I have seen the power in young people believing in their voices. I have seen our young people walk the stage to receive their High School diplomas, grow into the leaders they have been destined to be as well as seeing them reach the goals and never forgetting to DREAM BIG!”

    —Alina C. (High School Case Manager/Education Advocate)

  • “Legacy has so many programs that help students in High School especially Seniors like me. Going through the college process, was really hard for me but thanks to their help and support, I was able to fill out (college applications.) They helped me step-by-step. I'm so grateful for Legacy LA.”

    — Michelle C., 17 (Legacy LA Member)

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