‘Friends of Aspires’ Host Fall Kickoff Meeting

Recently Aspires-West, Pasadena community supporters, also known as ‘Friends of Aspires’ gathered at the organization’s Student Success Center to celebrate the Fall 2014 Kickoff meeting.

Since 1992 Aspires-West, Pasadena has provided tutoring, mentoring and role model activities for students grades 3 – 12. In addition, parenting, family advocacy, and social / civic assistance is also incorporated into the specialized learning program. Every spring, the organization hosts the Role Models for Youth Luncheon which honors both graduating seniors and area role models. With a goal of preparing today’s scholars for college preparation, career training, and life skills the organization is preparing for fall programming and fundraising.

Celebrating the area’s diverse community members, Friends of Aspires members include:

Aspires-West Friends Chair – Charlotte Gardner, Senior Vice President for Hana Financial, Inc.; Bernardine De Paolis, PhD, Author and Adjunct English Professor at Pasadena City College; Celeste Coleman, Entrepreneur / Community Advocate; Herbertean Morris, Aspires-West Receptionist / Retired Nurse; Joseph Barnes, Aspires-West Tutor / Retired Professor of Chemistry and Head Basketball Coach at Pasadena City College; Katy Townsend, Proprietor, Katey’s Beauty Salon; Luke Walker, Proprietor, Luke Walker’s Barber & Beauty Care; Skip Robinson, Retired Dean and Athletic Director at Pasadena City College; and Victoria Williams, Event Planner / Publicist.

If you are interested in sponsoring a student participant in the Fall program or joining the ‘Friends of Aspires’ please contact Charlotte Gardner at (213) 977 – 7213 or via email at charlotte.gardner@hanafinancial.com.

Aspires-West, Pasadena is a cooperative partnership between Scott United Methodist Church and other local faith-based organizations, the Pasadena Unified School District, Pasadena City College and other local academic institutions, and the local business community. To learn more about Aspires-West, Pasadena please visit www.aspireswestpasadena.org or call (626) 797 – 0789.