A feature story: Los Angeles, CA. Some singles put romance on hold to avoid Covid-19, but Isabel Klein just went on 52 dates—a date a week for a year. “I dated through the pandemic and did NOT get COVID! Take that, Covid!” Klein exclaimed. “It was a simple screening process. Imagine a windowless interrogation room, naked lightbulb swinging overhead, and me screaming in a guy’s face ‘You got an N95? You sing your ABC while you wash your hands?’ But seriously, it’s all about communication.”
The LA-based comedic actress became an authority on dating while waiting for the entertainment industry to re-start.
Klein blogs about her journey on Date-A-Week.com. “A lot of cringe-worthy things happened, so I used it as fodder for TikTok videos, and they took off.” The 24-year-old plays multiple parts as she recreates dates at her handle, @frizzyhairizzy. One of her #dateaweekla TikToks has already been viewed over 2 million times.
Klein explained, “I went on 52 dates! Speed dating on an app, blind date setups, virtual cookie making, I’ve done it all. I got stiffed by a guy who ‘forgot his wallet’ and went on over a dozen of social distance walks. But I never found a sexy way to pick up my dog’s poop.”
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the serial dater is offering advice to singles:
Top Three Valentine’s Dating Tips:
Start with a FaceTime date. It’s safe and helps prevent romantic letdowns. Pre-screen with a ‘Covid talk’ to ensure prospective sweethearts are using best practices.
Make a commitment to date regularly. It takes the pressure off individual dates so you’re freer to be yourself. If a date’s a bust, even on Valentine’s Day, there’s always next week.
Put yourself out there! It is not an act of desperation; it’s a bold, empowering, and intentional search for love!
“Look, if I can do it, you can do it,” Klein said. “Before I committed to go on a date a week, I got so nervous would dry heave before walking out the door. Last year I finally made overcoming my fears a priority.” It’s a technique that’s also working for readers who are trying it for themselves. Many offer Testimonials on Date-A-Week.com.
Like other singles, Klein had to pivot during the pandemic but didn’t want to stop meeting new people. “It’s a hard time to be alone. There’s not much to do because of Covid and we all need human connection.” Klein has a list of safety tips on her blog. “I’m not taking any chances. Covid-19 is serious business. Also, I can’t lose my sense of smell and taste, because Frappuccinos and chocolate croissants are my life.”
Park City, Utah. The Sundance Film Festival looks different this year; it’s virtual. There are 71 Features, 50 shorts, 4 indie series, 14 New Frontier Projects debuting on digital platform & satellite screens nationwide. One highly anticipated film that has gotten excellent reviews is Coda (Pictured above). The film was directed by Sian Heder and stars Emilia Jones, Eugenio Derbez, Troy Kotsur, and Marlee Matlin. It’s about a girl who is the only hearing person in her deaf family.
The Sundance Festival is taking place digitally on a Sundance-built online platform and in-person on Satellite Screens across the country (public health permitting) from January 28-February 3, 2021. Additionally, Festival attendees can gather in virtual waiting rooms, participate in live Q&As, and congregate in new, inspired online environments to interact in a range of ways both new and familiar.
The films were selected from 14,092 submissions including 3,500 feature-length films. Of the feature film submissions, 1,377 were from the U.S. and 2,132 were international. Director demographics are available in an editor’s note below.
Here’s a video about the first day of the festival:
Above, is a scene from “President” by Camilla Nielsson. COURTESY OF SUNDANCE INSTITUTE.
“Of course, the pandemic year demanded adaptation,” said Keri Putnam, Sundance Institute’s Executive Director. “On a deeper level, we also recognize the urgency of supporting independent storytellers at a time of great upheaval in the film and media fields. We’re proud this edition of the Festival is fiercely independent and will reach people everywhere, celebrating both the theatrical experience at our Satellite Screens and streaming on our platform.”
“This Festival is a singular response to a singular year – both in design and curation – and we are excited about the new dimensions of possibility it will reveal. But at its core is something that speaks to our most enduring values,” said Tabitha Jackson, Director of the Sundance Film Festival. “For thousands of years humans have gathered to tell stories and make meaning. In this pandemic year, we gather to celebrate a constellation of artists with unique perspectives that express this current moment and who together are saying, ‘We exist. This is who we are. And this is what we see.’”
“The work in this year’s program is groundbreaking, imaginative, and formally daring,” said Kim Yutani, the Festival’s Director of Programming. “With over half the program made by first-time directors, a sense of discovery remains true to us at Sundance. This year’s Festival presents irrefutable evidence that despite the challenges, the independent voice is as strong as ever.”
The full 2021 slate of works, including 71 feature-length films, representing 29 countries and 38 first-time feature filmmakers. 14 films and projects announced today were supported by Sundance Institute in development, through direct granting or residency Labs. 66 of the Festival’s feature films, or 93% of the lineup announced today, will be world premieres. These films were selected from 14,092 submissions including 3,500 feature-length films. Of the feature film submissions, 1,377 were from the U.S. and 2,132 were international. Director demographics are available in an editor’s note below.
Los Angeles, CA. 2020 has been an unprecedented year with the loss of over 315,000 lives, the closing of thousands of local businesses, which has left thousands of families food-deprived. Organizations like No Us Without You LA continues to be a pioneer in the Los Angeles community, providing meals for undocumented Back Of House Staff and their families living in the Los Angeles area.
No Us Without You LA is a public charity. While the stimulus packages and government assistance programs have been provided for those in need, families of undocumented works are not privy to these subsidies.
Nonprofit leaders say that access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner should not be an American privilege but a human right. They believe that as a community, we must not forget about the workers and their families who sacrifice and work hard to put food on our tables. “Your kind gesture this holiday season will provide an entire family one week’s worth of meals. If you are looking to give a week’s worth of meals, or simply donate visit No Us Without You LA,” leaders explain.
Here’s a video about the organization:
A brief history of No US Without You LA:
We are Va’La Hospitality
Va’La Hospitality is a bar consultancy group founded by Damian Diaz and Othón Nolasco in 2017 from a desire to give back to their industry. Rather than agonize over how undocumented workers affected by COVID-19 would feed their families, the two partners acted. And in just 24 hours they founded No Us Without You, a 501c3 Non-Profit Public Charity providing food security to the most disenfranchised hospitality workers affected by the pandemic. No Us Without You has transformed Va’La Hospitality’s Boyle Heights office into a food distribution hub. Donations have enabled the two partners to provide dry goods and fresh produce to undocumented back-of-house staff such as dishwashers, bussers, line cooks, and porters. Launched in mid-March with a goal of feeding 30 families a week, No Us Without You is now feeding over 1,300 families per week. Diaz and Nolasco plan on offering food relief indefinitely as they have embraced their new roles as Nonprofit Co-Founders. They are proud to be Humans Feeding Humans.
Pasadena, CA. ‘Tis the season to spread cheer to vulnerable children and families during the holidays. Union Station Homeless Services is now collecting gifts for 400 children, ages ranging from newborn to 18 years. The theme this year is “something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read”– toys for all ages, fun patterned face masks, playful socks and new books. If you’d like to be a holiday hero and bring a smile to vulnerable children and families this year, read on to learn more.
Here are three ways to help:
1. Host a toy drive or donate a gift. Donations can be dropped off at our Admin Center at 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA, Monday-Friday between 9:30am-4:00pm until December 16, 2020 or ordered for delivery from our Amazon Wish Lists:
2. Contribute a tax-deductible donation to Union Station Homeless Services. Every dollar makes a difference in the lives of families experiencing homelessness during the harsh winter months.
3. Spread holiday cheer by spreading the word. Please share about our holiday toy drive with your friends and family on social media by using the graphic. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and tag our page in your posts!
From: Union Station Homeless Services
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is committed to helping homeless individuals and families rebuild their lives.
Union Station Homeless Services is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our community. We are the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. Since 1973, Union Station has helped rebuild the lives of thousands of people who were once homeless and without hope.
The vision expressed four decades ago by the community volunteers who founded this agency still rings true today — every person deserves a life of dignity and a safe place to call home.
With over 45 years of experience, we proudly offer a full continuum of nine programs throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Our core services include outreach, bridge housing, permanent housing, and employment. In addition, we offer basic needs such as meals and showers, and well as care coordination, benefits enrollment, and referrals to medical and mental health services.
We know that housing ends homelessness. Over the years, we have learned some valuable lessons:
Los Angeles, CA. Project Ropa is a nonprofit foundation based in Los Angeles serving the homeless community. The nonprofit works to restore dignity by bringing clean clothing and hygiene kits directly to people experiencing homelessness. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, there are a total of 63,706 people homeless and 46,090 still in need of shelter. Over the past year, there has been a 12.7% increase in homelessness in LA County alone. Community members who are experiencing homelessness do not have easy access to bathrooms let alone showers.
Like many organizations, Project Ropa has seen a massive decline in monetary donations as a result of the global pandemic. While the monetary donations have declined by 75%, there has been a 300% increase in clothing donations.
Overhead has not declined but rather increased for the organization during this time. Project Ropa’s storage units are at full capacity, so the organization had to acquire a third unit for the influx of supplies.
Project Ropa has more than doubled weekly donations. Prior to the pandemic, the organization directly provided hygiene kits and clothing to 200 people directly on a weekly basis. Today after teaming up with local nonprofits they are serving over 5,000 people a month. Caitlin Adler Founder and Executive Director says, “We expect that number to continue to grow. We have figured out a way to increase capacity with less money.”
As a result of Covid-19, the demand and quantity for hygiene kits has substantially increased. With social distancing mandates in place getting essential personal protective equipment together has had its fair share of challenges. Due to hygiene regulations and sanitation recommendations, clothing is quarantined for 7-days prior to distribution. With major pivots implemented (i.e. quarantine of shoes and clothes, halted entry into mobile hygiene vans, and meeting sanitation standards etc.). Volunteers are no longer able to assist in the vans and volunteer opportunities have been cut in half.
With the elevated health risks associated with the virus, Project Ropas partnership with Saint Francis Center has been a saving grace for thousands of people.
During this time there are no holiday events planned.
Volunteers are encouraged to engage in Project Ropa’s virtual volunteer opportunities. Where individuals go out into the community to collect a list of items. Merchandise can be dropped off at the facility and or pick-up can be coordinated at a nearby location.
From Project Ropa:
It is in times like these that your donations are needed the most. Find out more at Project Ropa. Monetary donations can be made on Donor Box here and to our Venmo account @ProjectRopa.
Mission
Project Ropa helps restore dignity, rekindle optimism, and empower lives by providing clean clothing, hygiene kits and job opportunities to people experiencing homelessness.
Our Mailing Address
4712 Admiralty Way #1226 Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Our Warehouse Address
12681 W Jefferson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90066
Donation Drop-off Information
We accept clothing donation drop-offs at our warehouse by appointment only. Email us: [email protected]
About Us
Project Ropa was founded in 2016 by Caitlin Adler to address the challenges that homeless people face in obtaining and keeping clean clothes. Though homelessness is accompanied by many deprivations — from food, to shelter, to safety — one of its greatest indignities comes from the absence of hygiene services.
When you’re homeless, it doesn’t take long to look that way, and the world and your options in it shrink. Access to hygiene services is a human right yet for many people experiencing homelessness there are often significant barriers to proper hygiene. Most homeless people literally have only the clothes on their backs. Access to clean clothing is essential to the overall well-being of a person and can be the key to opening doors to employment and housing.
We believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect. How you look affects how you feel about yourself and how others treat you. Now, because of the health threats posed by the coronavirus, the need to overcome those challenges has become ever greater. People who are experiencing homelessness often wind up wearing dirty and wet clothes for long stretches of time, making them vulnerable to the spread of transmissible diseases, including Covid-19.
No one should have to wear dirty clothes or clothes that are ill-fitting. It is more important than ever that our homeless neighbors have access to new and gently used donated clothing in a safe, humane and dignified setting.
That’s where we come in.
Project Ropa provides a curated selection of new and gently used high-quality men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, along with personal hygiene products — all donated by local manufacturers, retailers and nonprofit partners — which we bring to locations throughout the city each week in a retrofitted van that acts as a mobile walk-in closet. At the same time, the people we serve can take a shower offered by another service provider with whom we work in tandem.
The need to provide clean clothes to our homeless neighbors has never been more urgent. Read this article to learn more about what makes our service different. For additional information about why it is so important to provide people experiencing homelessness with access to clean clothes in a safe, humane and respectful way read this article.
We believe in second chances for people who want to turn their lives around. Our vision is to help break the cycle of homelessness by restoring dignity and creating living-wage job opportunities for people with barriers to employment.
Los Angeles, CA. Anthony Anderson, star of the hit tv show Black-ish and ambassador for Mercedes-Benz teams up with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to deliver 40,000 meals to families in the L.A. area. Mercedes-Benz started a Curbside Caring initiative at the start of the pandemic to offer money, food, and medical supplies to those in need. As an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz, Anderson helps contribute to its mission through acts of charity. Growing up in Compton, Anderson witnessed many people struggle with hunger in his community. Today, Anderson does everything he can to try and fight hunger in Los Angeles.
The pandemic has worsened food insecurity across the nation, forcing people to skip meals including Thanksgiving dinner. With donations from the L.A. Food Bank and the help of Anderson and Mercedes-Benz, 40,000 people in the L.A. area enjoyed Thanksgiving meals this year. Families were shocked to be handed full turkeys, a gesture that clearly made their day.
A woman overwhelmed with joy after receiving a turkey for Thanksgiving
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you “like” us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you’ll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we’ll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our community. We are the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. Since 1973, Union Station has helped rebuild the lives of thousands of 
