LOS ANGELES YOUTH NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW HOME FOR FOSTER & HOMELESS YOUTH

The Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) opened its doors to a new home for foster and homeless youth in Hollywood. The 10,000 square foot 1919 Craftsman style home replaces LAYN’s current 30-year old barrack style emergency shelter and will enable over 300 foster youth (ages 12-17) a year to receive high quality enhanced services in a safe and nurturing environment.

“We are thrilled to be able to move our emergency shelter into this comforting and
lovely environment,” said Mark Supper, Executive Director, Los Angeles Youth Network. “We see kids who are the most traumatized. They come to us right after
they have been removed from their home or a difficult foster placement. It is
critical that the environment in which they find themselves provides a sense of
comfort and safety. This new building will do just that.”

As the only organization in Hollywood that provides residential care to homeless youth ages 12-21, LAYN provides shelter and a home to foster and homeless youth
with programs that enable these abused, neglected and homeless youth to become
self-sufficient adults. The new residence will be able to accommodate the effective
delivery of LAYN’s full continuum of care. It’s eight bedrooms, art therapy room,
education/computer lab, family reunification room, living room, dining room
recreation area, and youth services building will provide ample space for 17 youth
to simultaneously receive a multitude of vital services to help them overcome past
trauma while providing an improved quality of life.

The building was formally opened this morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony
attended by Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles City
Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, Philip Browning, Director, Dept. of Children &
Family Services, Mark Supper, Executive Director, Los Angeles Youth Network,
Steve Zimmer, LAUSD School Board, Jevon Wilkes, a former LAYN resident as
well as LAYN Board Members and invited guests.

“I find it terribly heartbreaking that thousands of children are displaced from their
homes and end up on the streets of Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Mitch
O’Farrell. “I commend the Los Angeles Youth Network for doing its part to create a
safe place for homeless children until they are able to transition out of the foster
care system and into permanent housing. Pursuing a dedicated source of funding
to house the most vulnerable members of our community is a primary focus of the L.A. City Council.”

For more information visit www.layn.org

The Benefits of Getting a Smile Makeover

The Benefits of Getting a Smile Makeover

 

Most people are unsatisfied with the appearance of their teeth. Chipped enamel, gaps, or dingy stains can all affect a person’s smile, as well as his or her self-confidence. A smile makeover can give you the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always dreamed about. It’s easier and more affordable than you may think.

 

What Is a Smile Makeover?

 

A number of different restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures are available to individuals who would like to improve their smiles. For some, a simple whitening session is enough to give their teeth a beautiful appearance. Porcelain veneers are a good choice for people with chips or gaps between teeth, while composite bonding offers a more affordable option for minor restorations. Dental crowns are the best procedure for patients with missing or broken teeth. Gum contouring offers a solution to people with receding or misshaped gums.

 

Choosing the Right Procedure

 

Several things will determine which processes are best for you and your teeth. Whitening is the quickest and least expensive way to improve your smile, but it isn’t the best option for patients in need of restorative dental work. Composite bonding is a budget-friendly choice for restoration, and provides faster results than veneers or crowns. Even so, the material usually doesn’t last as long, and may chip or stain more easily than other alternatives. It’s best to schedule a visit with a cosmetic dentist to discuss your needs and your budget. He or she will help you design a makeover plan that’s right for you.

 

What Are the Risks?

 

Smile makeover procedures are generally completely safe and effective. Most techniques are minimally invasive, and pose no real threats to the patient. The most common complications can be prevented by practising good oral hygiene after the procedure is finished. These are not really permanent solutions, so there’s a good chance you’ll have to repeat the treatment in the future. Some whitening methods are repeated every 6 months or once a year, while crowns may last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced.

 

The Benefits of an Improved Smile

 

The health and wellness benefits of a beautiful smile far outweigh the risks and costs of cosmetic dentistry. Healthy, clean teeth reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth infections, and other dental concerns. Strong, well-shaped teeth can also improve your speech, and make eating more enjoyable. The biggest benefit is the increased self-confidence you’ll enjoy. A better smile can help you get job offers and promotions, make it easier to meet new people, and can improve your overall success and well-being.

 

Whether you’re considering porcelain veneers, or just want whiter, brighter teeth, getting the perfect Hollywood smile is easy with today’s affordable cosmetic dentistry options. Many practices offer flexible payment options to make your preferred treatment plan more affordable. Schedule an appointment with a licensed dentist today, and you’ll be turning heads with a beautiful new smile in no time at all.