A Year Later: What Fire Recovery Still Looks Like in LA

A year later, the fires may be out, but the rebuilding continues. Here’s how to help.
👉 Text **NEWNORMAL4LA** to 707070 or visit pledge.to/la-fire-relief-for-kids-teens-teachers-schools to donate.

 Help Sustain Fire Recovery for LA’s Students, Teachers, & Communities

Dear Friends,

A year later, the January 2025 wildfires may no longer dominate headlines, but for thousands of students, teachers, librarians, and education workers across Los Angeles, recovery is still very much underway.

This week, to promote our Help Fund Fire Recovery Campaign, I’m spotlighting three of our seven nonprofits doing deeply human, on-the-ground work to restore stability, confidence, and opportunity after the fires. I’ve created a short Instagram carousel for each one, and I’d love for you to take a look.

First: California Community Foundation
👉Stand With Displaced Educators

CCF supports displaced teachers, education workers, and school communities across LAUSD and PUSD. Their wildfire recovery efforts keep classrooms functioning, educators housed and supported, and students connected to the familiar routines they rely on to heal. Schools are crucial to the stability of our communities. 

Next: Altadena Girls
👉 Restore Confidence for Fire-Impacted Teens

Altadena Girls meets teens where they are, emotionally and practically. They provide the real-life basics that help girls feel like themselves again: clothing, shoes, beauty and hygiene items, tech, sports gear, and a brand-new youth space in Pasadena rooted in dignity and creative expression. Launched by 14-year-old Avery, AG is all about restoring confidence as much as replacing belongings.

And: 826LA
👉 Support Free Writing Programs for Youth

826LA empowers young people through writing — helping students find their voice, tell their stories, and build confidence through creativity. Their free programs offer tutoring, workshops, publishing opportunities, and one-on-one support, reminding kids that their words matter, especially after upheaval.

From classrooms to confidence to creative voice —
this is what recovery really looks like.

 These organizations work in different ways, but they share a common goal: helping young people and the adults who support them feel safe, seen, and empowered again.

👉 I invite you to explore all three carousels, learn more about their impact, and share them forward.
👉 If you’re able, please consider a pledge to our Help Fund Fire Recovery Campaign to help sustain this work across classrooms, communities, and creative spaces.

Recovery isn’t one moment.
It’s many hands, many hearts, and continued care.

 Thank you for showing up — again and again — for LA.

With gratitude,
Vanessa

From classrooms to confidence to creative voice — this is what recovery really looks like.
👉 Text **NEWNORMAL4LA** to 707070 or visit pledge.to/la-fire-relief-for-kids-teens-teachers-schools to donate.