Sam Solakyan | Global Holdings CEO | Joins Board for Sheriff's Youth Foundation

LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Holdings is thrilled to announce that our CEO, Sam Solakyan, has been invited by Los Angeles County Sheriff, Leroy Baca, to join the Board of Directors for the Sheriff's Youth Foundation (SYF), an organization devoted to the development and protection of Los Angeles's younger generation. "It's an absolute honor to be asked to join," says Solakyan. "There is nothing more vital or necessary than the empowerment of our youth."

Sam Solakyan is a longtime advocate of organizations that support children and young people. His generous donations have helped to fund charitable organizations such as the Filipino Children's Foundation, an association providing food, shelter clothing and counseling to children suffering from poverty and abuse in the Philippines; and to Glendale Healthy kids, a local organization that provides free or reduced-cost healthcare to children with limited or no insurance, among many others. He has also promoted and supported crucial undertakings such as Project Child Save, which facilitates the location and rescue of children sold into sexual slavery; and Serve the People, which distributes mass quantities of food, clothing, school supplies, and other household necessities to the homeless, in addition to free medical treatment and legal aid. "We are very excited about having Sam on our board," states Chief Development Officer of SYF, John March. "His strength, energy and enthusiasm will be a tremendous asset."

Mr. March joined the Sheriff's Youth Foundation in 2012 and since then has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the children of Los Angeles, ensuring that every child has the encouragement and support needed to find the right path for their life.  March as been quoted saying, "It will be my honor to help keep young kids from making bad decisions." One could say his enthusiasm for the job runs in his blood. March's son, Deputy David March, who was tragically killed in the line of duty in April of 2002, had a passion for helping kids as well, and John views his work at the SYF as not only an opportunity to help the less fortunate youth of our city but also to honor his son's memory.

The SYF was established in 1985 to be a safe haven for the youth of Los Angeles. Since its conception, the Foundation has been a key component in the fight to empower young people and arm them with the tools and skills needed to succeed in life. The program collaborates with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Parks and Recreation, Los Angeles public school districts and various community groups and organizations. The mission of the Foundation is to steer kids way from the crimes and drugs that plague our streets and neighborhoods, instead encouraging them toward positive, productive programs and activities. With its team of deputies and its vigilant civilian employees and volunteers, the Foundation helps these at-risk kids and their communities grow. Studies show that children who participate in programs like the SYF earn higher grades, are more apt to graduate, are less likely to have a juvenile record, and are more likely to develop meaningful and successful relationships as adults. "It's as simple as caring," Solakyan says. "If we show these children that there is someone who cares about them, and that the life they were born into isn't the only option for them, then we've given them the first tool needed to become a successful and productive member of society. The Sheriff's Youth Foundation does that and so much more." 

The Foundation is responsible for the creation and growth of Youth League Activities (YAL), a place of shelter for young people to turn to in their community. There are 17 different centers available year-round to youths from the ages of 7 to 17, completely free of charge. At each YAL center, children and teens can find help with homework or learn a new sport in a safe, nurturing environment, away from the dangers of the streets. "Many of these young people don't have any kind of security in their lives. Home is not a safe place, school is not a safe place," says Solakyan. "What the SYF does with their youth centers is provide somewhere for them to turn to where they can have the chance to thrive and just be kids without fear of violence or negativity."

In addition to their permanent facilities, the SYF has also launched many successful programs that reach hundreds of thousands of children and teens each year. The STAR program (Success Through Awareness and Resistance) delivers classroom programs to educate youth about the hazards of drug use and gang involvement while giving them tools to help them improve self-esteem and resist peer pressure. VIDA (Vital Intervention Directional Alternatives) is an intensive, academy-structured program designed for violent or at-risk youth from ages 11 to 17 to help steer them toward a crime-free life.  Another program they offer, "999. 999", is normally a radio code meaning an Officer needs emergency assistance, but in this case it references children in need. 999 For Kids was created in 1985 and is a joint effort between the County's Department of Children and Family Services and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The county agencies came together after recognizing the need to assist mentally and physically challenged children. The program raises money to provide these kids and their families with medical supplies and special education classes.

In addition to education, life guidance and self-esteem building activities, the Foundation provides Deputy Sheriffs to mentor the youth and contribute to the development of their character and leadership skills, as well as provide them with a vision for their own future. The SYF gives, in a word, hope. Hope that there is something better for the children of Los Angeles; hope that even though they may come from low income homes and are considered at-risk members of society, they have a choice for something more.

Says Global Holdings CEO, Sam Solakyan: "I love this city and look forward to taking part in such a crucial organization."

Read more about Sam Solakyan's involvement

To give a contribution to the Sheriff's Youth Foundation or to learn more about this exciting organization, please visit: http://sheriffsyouthfoundation.org/

Contact:
Max Tracy
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140403/LA97356

SOURCE Global Holdings