INTRODUCTION

The Los Angeles County, (LA County) Poverty Alleviation Initiative (PAI) and the United Nations both recognize that poverty is multi-dimensional and requires strategic, sustainable solutions. In alignment with these practices, we have developed four strategic pillars of engagement civic, social, economic, and academic—with the goal of eradicating poverty. In this communication, we are highlighting two critical components: economic and academic solutions. While we initially planned to introduce these initiatives in the second quarter of 2025, the recent devastation in LA County has compelled us to accelerate our development timelines and take immediate action.

ECONOMIC REMEDY

Building a Sustainable, Self-Perpetuating Solution for LA County, the nation’s second-largest economic powerhouse, has invested heavily in poverty alleviation, including $157 million in direct livelihood support. Yet, despite these efforts, the number of recipients and required funding continues to increase, revealing a deeper issue: the Red-Ecosystem, which keeps individuals trapped in financial instability and limits long-term social returns on investment (SROI). Traditional support services alone are insufficient. Even with substantial investments, individuals often fall back into cycles of financial instability. Without a self-sustaining, self-perpetuating economic solution, county budgets will remain strained, non-profits will struggle, and vulnerable communities will continue to suffer the long-term consequences of the Red-Ecosystem. (Click to Review Red-EcoSystem)

This initiative aims to:

Reduce financial strain on county and city budgets.

Revitalize the nonprofit sector by stabilizing the nonprofit workforce.

Increase Social Return on Investment (SROI) by ensuring lasting change.

Develop a self-sustaining income model that supports a trickle-up economic approach.

Communities have relied on federal trickle-down economics for far too long. ReStart is shifting the model by implementing

trickle-up economics an approach designed to generate community-level impact through individual empowerment. We’re inviting Pennsylvania State University to conduct a data-driven case study that will ensure measurable outcomes and long-term accountability. The time for negotiating with poverty is over—let’s rebuild.. (Click to review Phase I)

ACADEMIC REMEDY

Breaking Poverty’s Hold:

An Education-Based Sustainable Path for Foster Youth in LA County Los Angeles County is home to approximately 30,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, many of whom are former foster youth. Without a stable support system, today's foster youth face the same systemic barriers, leaving them vulnerable to poverty and instability. The ReStart Initiative is working to change this cycle by providing pathways to economic and educational stability.

To address this challenge, ReStart has introduced a workforce development curriculum to California Community College Chancellors. This curriculum was designed by members of the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), the same organization that provides ongoing education for California’s General Services procurement professionals. Equipping foster youth with industry-certified procurement skill sets that helps build career stability.

NASPO’s Procurement University offers over 100 hours of free online coursework, designed to accommodate the nomadic lifestyle of foster youth, making education more accessible. (Click to review Overview and Courses)

Additional Action Steps:

Our team has contacted 68% of LA County school districts to identify Foster Youth Local Education Agency (LEA) contacts, ensuring direct engagement. By leveraging California’s Dual Enrollment Programs and NextUp services, we can create a clear bridge for foster youth transitioning from high school to college and, ultimately, to meaningful careers.

This initiative directly supports Governor Newsom’s Vision 2030 Plan and the California Community College Chancellor’s goal of increasing certificate and baccalaureate degree completion. As workforce demands shift, industries evolve, and the economic landscape changes, it is essential that county thought leaders and innovative initiatives collaborate to tackle these challenges.

Call to Action:

A New Model for Sustainable Change We invite Los Angeles County Poverty Alleviation Initiative to join The ReStart Initiative in transforming the Red-Ecosystem into an Evergreen Ecosystem, empowering a sustainable future for all Angelenos. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss these strategies in more detail and explore avenues for collaboration.