"As we mark the first anniversary of the devastating fires, we also celebrate the incredible progress of the YMCA's efforts to rebuild its destroyed Via de la Paz site and a nearby campus," said Raul Anaya, Bank of America president for Greater Los Angeles. "The wildfires destroyed so much – thousands of homes, businesses and communities – but it never destroyed L.A.'s spirit. As a longtime supporter of the YMCA, we're proud to help bring this space back to life for so many residents, and encourage other do ...

Community Recovery & Youth Empowerment - The community is facing challenges in rebuilding after a fire, with a need to restore normalcy [1] - Youth voices are often missing in decision-making processes that affect them [1] - Engaging youth is crucial for imagining and rebuilding a thriving community [1] - Rebuilding involves reclaiming voice and power, especially for young people [1] Youth-Led Initiatives & Impact - Youth involvement can lead to smoother operations, higher team spirit, and ownership [2] - Young people can identify overlooked needs and create solutions [3][4] - Youth-led initiatives can restore identity, confidence, and connection [5] - Allowing youth to lead can result in innovative solutions and possibilities [6] Future Vision & Recommendations - The community should welcome young people to co-design the recovery process [6] - Deferring to youth about matters that impact them is essential [7] - Rebuilding with youth at the center can create a vibrant, inclusive future [9]