EJ Ready Learning Lab Launch
This month, Liberty Hill and the Resource Legacy Fund teamed up to launch the EJ Ready Learning Lab series! This initiative is designed to support grantee organizations of the EJ Ready program, which is all about uplifting environmental leaders and community organizations as they explore public funding opportunities for communities in Los Angeles.
The EJ Ready Learning Lab will guide participants through an engaging and interactive learning series focused on creating community-centered facilities that provide safe spaces and resources during climatic events. By the end of the series, participants will be equipped and empowered to plan, design, and bring their very own Resiliency Centers to life in their communities.
Resilience Centers are fantastic community-based spaces or programs that help individuals, families and communities strengthen their resilience against challenges such as climate crises, economic difficulties, or social stressors. These centers often offer vital services like emergency preparedness and response, mental health and wellness support, educational and job training programs, community-building activities, and assistance for youth and families.
As part of the recent launch, participants had the opportunity to take a walk-through tour of the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory, which stands as a great example of an existing and thriving Resilience Center.
Through a partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, the conservatory has successfully collaborated with Climate Resolve, the City of Los Angeles, and the American Red Cross to create this new community center equipped with emergency resources such as battery storage, an HVAC system with HEPA filters, backup water provisions, and solar energy—all resources available to community residents.
The seven part learning series is facilitated by the nonprofit design studio, City Fabrick, and will focus on planning, design, program development, and implementation. City Fabrick aims to restoring, reshaping, and empowering communities through public interest design, planning, policy development, and advocacy.
