2023
La Maida Project Impact Report
Copyright © La Maida Project 2023 All rights reserved
La Maida Project is addressing the mental health crisis by healing our connection to self, community, purpose, and the natural world.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from Our Founders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2023 Year In Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Our Work & Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Programs & Public Awareness . . . . . . . . . . 7 Program Offerings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Program Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Looking Forward to 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 2024 Strategic Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Financial Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Support La Maida Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDERS To Our La Maida Project Community, It is with great pleasure that we present our 2023 Impact Report which highlights the innovative work and forward momentum we have made this year. In our day-to-day lives as mental health practitioners we are acutely aware of the need for creative solutions to address the mental health crisis. The challenges individuals face with their mental well-being are not merely individual problems, but symptoms of a crisis of disconnection. This disconnection from self, community, purpose, and the natural world is the underlying cause of the rising rates of mental illness, addiction, suicide, and diseases of despair. We are committed to helping people beyond the walls of our private practices to live full and purpose-driven lives. We are so proud of the team we have assembled at La Maida Project to do this timely work, and thrilled at the progress we have made thus far. In 2023, La Maida Project provided education to more than 100 leaders, educators, and community members across the country and reached 15,000+ individuals through our public awareness campaigns. We delivered, evaluated, and refined our existing programs, and developed new programs that we will roll out in 2024 including an Educator Workshop Series and a Spanish Language Workshop.
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We are so encouraged by all we have accomplished in 2023, and know there is a lot more work to be done. We have been humbled by the generosity of our donor network and supporters. La Maida Project would not be able to do this work without them and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support. We invite you to explore this Impact Report which highlights our work over the past year to address the mental health crisis. As a community, we are making a difference! With gratitude,
Alexis Naim, LCSW Founding Director
Omid Naim, MD Founding Director
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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
La Maida Project brings programming and awareness to the public
15,000+
Individuals Reached through public awareness campaigns.
about solutions that support healing and promote health in community.
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$575,000+ Raised through individual contributions and grants.
100+
Individuals Educated in LMP’s model including community leaders, social welfare professionals, and educators.
$90,000+ Earned from workshops and programs.
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OUR WORK Built on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and public health, La Maida Project is addressing the root causes of the mental health crisis. We promote healing through connection and community as the natural foundation of optimal health and well-being.
LA MAIDA PROJECT STAFF Kelly Benshoof, MPH
Omid Naim, MD
Executive Director
Founding Director
Olivia Christian Social Media Manager
Director of Development & Programs
Laurie Cousins
Marlene Padrón, MSW
Program Facilitator
Program Facilitator
Marina Maskaykina Graphic Designer
Alexis Naim, LCSW Founding Director
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Marjorie O’Hanley
Alex Reynolds Virtual Production Manager Katherine Scarpitta Development & Grant Manager
PROGRAMS Our experiential education programs range from individual workshops to multi-session professional trainings. Introductory Workshops Reached 150+ educators and individuals. Foundational Workshop Series Educated 350+ child welfare professionals and individuals. Train the Trainer Trained 100+ community leaders. Speaking Engagements Engaged 500+ health care professionals.
PUBLIC AWARENESS Our public awareness campaigns aim to inspire systemic change and cultivate community competency around mental health.
10,000+ LMP community members receiving on quarterly Featured newsletters. 9 podcasts reaching new audiences worldwide.
Featured on 9 podcasts reaching new audiences worldwide.
5,000+ followers across LMP’s social media channels.
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PROGRAM OFFERINGS Introductory Workshop This stand alone workshop is designed to explore the answer to a deceptively simple question, “What is health?” Participants come to a more accurate and empowering view of health while they explore self-regulation practices and skills to reduce chronic stress, improve mental health, and understand how the brain’s physiology impacts our day-to-day behavior.
2023 PROGRAM FEATURE
Communities in Schools La Maida Project led a workshop for 30+ leaders and educators from Communities in Schools of Los Angeles. CISLA is a nonprofit working to ensure high school students in public schools receive the support they need to develop the social and emotional skills required to graduate high school and be ready for meaningful employment and higher education.
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Foundational Workshop Series La Maida Project’s four-part series brings participants on a reflective journey about their unique roles and values, how they exist within a web of interrelated systems and relationships, and the supportive practices that sustain health through and with community.
2023 PROGRAM FEATURE
Summer Virtual Series La Maida Project hosted our Foundational Workshop Series in a virtual, open-to-the-public format. Audience members included program staff, therapists, and healthcare professionals from a range of industries such as community based organizations, governmental agencies, child welfare agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Participants gained knowledge and skills to improve health, reduce stress and illness, and prevent burnout.
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PROGRAM OFFERINGS Train the Trainer La Maida Project’s Train the Trainer program is designed to build internal expertise and competencies that empower trainers to teach a shared framework and approach to health throughout any organization. Each training is highly customized for a group of leaders who are committed to co-creating optimal mental health for themselves and their peers through an intensive training process including reflective exercises, trauma-informed education, team building practices, and facilitation skill building.
2023 PROGRAM FEATURE
McKinley Child Welfare Agency La Maida Project Facilitators worked with leadership and staff from McKinley, a child welfare agency committed to transforming the lives of youth and families through innovative education, counseling, and social services. McKinley staff developed skills to integrate and implement practices that are oriented toward promoting optimal mental health. This training produced a cohort of Certified Trainers prepared to internally disseminate and integrate a new health-oriented approach within their organization and for the youth and families they serve.
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Speaking Engagements La Maida Project leadership delivers customized in-person and virtual keynote addresses for diverse audiences about LMP’s ecological, trauma-informed lens of health and well-being.
2023 PROGRAM FEATURE
Early Learning Ventures Podcast La Maida Project’s Executive Director, Kelly Benshoof, was featured on Early Learning Venture’s podcast. ELV is an organization dedicated to expanding access to quality, affordable child care, focusing on improving the quality of early child care programs. Kelly spoke to early childhood education providers about LMP’s approach to organizational mental health and well-being. In November 2023 LMP will be providing Introductory Workshops to ELV’s internal network of providers, teachers, staff, and their external community of parents and caregivers.
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PROGRAM FEEDBACK
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LMP worked with leadership from across our 26 branches to build the foundation for a culture of healing, authenticity, and connection. — Nevin Stanton-Trehan Chief People Officer YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
“
I will use what I have learned with my
and help them find joy in being healt body, mind, and soul.
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La Maida Project’s Introductory Workshop was exactly what our team was looking for. Our staff appreciated learning about a different way to see overall health and wellness and being able to practice specific regulation activities. We look forward to continuing our partnership for the benefit of our staff and the students and families we serve. — Nicholas Wu Director of Programs Communities in Schools of Los Angeles 12
— Train the Trainer Participant
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I am going to be more conscious of my routines and everyday practices because of this workshop. I realized I don’t actually have much in the way of self-care routines and I want to incorporate more routines into my life now. — Foundational Workshop Series Participant
y team
thy of
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La Maida Project has worked with leadership and staff from across all our program areas. Their Ecological Trauma-Informed Model has helped mold our organizational culture into putting community and connection first, which has helped us evolve into a healthier place to work. — Dustin Vander Haar Senior Vice President of Human Services McKinley Child Welfare Agency
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LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024 NEW PROGRAM
Educator Workshop Series This four-part program takes individuals who are committed to co-creating optimal mental health for themselves and youth through an intensive process of reflection and trauma-informed education. These workshops focus on the participants’ self exploration and provide skills to enhance their capacity and more effectively meet the needs of the youth they serve. Piloted this program in July 2023. 2024 Target Audiences include: Leaders and staff at schools, community based organizations, and nonprofits serving youth and their families.
NEW PROGRAM
Spanish Language Workshop Inclusivity and reaching new audiences is critically important for the mental health movement. Providing La Maida Project’s Introductory Workshop in Spanish allows for more people to experience this programming. We can deliver the Spanish Workshop in tandem with English language programming to accommodate diverse audiences. Piloting this program in December 2023. 2024 Target Audiences include: Spanish speaking and bilingual communities.
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2024 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES In 2024, La Maida Project will continue to deliver our existing workshops and programs while we roll out our new programming. We will utilize evaluation data to assess effectiveness and outcomes, and continue to refine and adapt our curriculum. The following four strategic objectives are aimed at supporting LMP’s continued growth, impact, and scalability:
1 2 3 4
Expand programmatic audiences in diversified settings that include youth, educators, parents, and caregivers. Increase number of no-cost program offerings for lower income populations at higher risk for adverse health outcomes. Influence policy and practice through data sharing and strategic partnerships. Increase operating budget by bringing in additional grant and foundation funding, individual donor gifts, and service revenue.
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2023 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Allocation of Expenses
18% Public Awareness
17% Grant Writing & Development
8% Administrative Expenses
57% Programs
62.2% Individual Gifts 24.2% Grants & Foundation Support
Revenue Mix
13.6% Service Revenue
Total revenue of $661,271
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thomas Armentrout-Wiswall
Alexis Naim, LCSW
Drew Carey
FOUNDER
Omid Naim, MD
Mason Farmani
FOUNDER
Jennifer Garner
Virginia Carollo Rubin
Steven Klein
Sarah Schultz
BOARD CHAIR
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE We give special recognition to the members of La Maida Project’s Founder’s Circle for their commitment and investment in our mission.
Jane Lipsitz
Ryan Bingham
Bill Reilly
Drew Carey
Jenny Reilly
CHAIR
Jennifer Garner Hassie Harrison Catherine Peterffy CHAIR
Anna Schafer Blake Slatkin George Stephanopoulos Ali Wentworth
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SUPPORT LA MAIDA PROJECT We are building our network of supporters so that we can continue to expand our programs and achieve more impact. There are many ways to engage — from making financial contributions, to hosting small events or virtual talks, to connecting us with potential program partners, foundations, corporate sponsors, and donors. We invite you to be a part of the LMP community.
JOIN THE FOUNDER’S CIRCLE
DONATE
To learn more about this group
La Maida Project
and its annual experiences
4515 Sherman Oaks Ave
and activities please reach out
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
to kelly@lamaida.org.
STOCK DONATION
CONNECT US Introduce us to potential
SEND A CHECK
LMP accepts stock donations so that donors avoid capital gains taxes and take a charitable deduction for the
program partners such as
current value of their shares.
schools, community based
WIRE TRANSFER
organizations, and agencies serving youth and families.
To send a wire please contact us at info@lamaida.org for account information.
GIVE ONLINE Visit our website lamaidaproject.org or scan the QR code to donate now.
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La Maida Project is a 501(c)(3) organization and all charitable donations are tax deductible. EIN# 84-2559616