2023.03 -- US Storybook 2022 updated 4.14 - Flipbook - Page 71
For Arnold, it’s all about being a role model – not just any role model, but someone
who understands where the kids are coming from, who’s been where they’ve been.
“I’m hoping that by me being able to work in the area of Watts, I don’t want to say that
the kids don’t really have a role model, but they just really don’t have anybody that
will teach them in the right way, put them in the right direction.For me to be able to
be there and say, ‘Hey, I understand this happened. I understand, that happened. I’ve
been where you’ve been. Let me try to give you some kind of direction that may help
you.’”
Paola describes the “magic sauce” that allows PeacePlayers and the Nike Community
Ambassadors to have such a profound impact on the youth and community of Watts:
“I love the fact that you guys are just super authentic, super available, and just super
coachable, and I think that’s super important in any collaboration or any partnership
that you may have. At the end of the day, it’s about the kids and it’s about us having a
common goal and just making it happen. I just really appreciate how PeacePlayers has
been super inviting and being able to hold everybody, all of my people, as family as
well.”
When asked what the hope of the partnership is moving forward, Evan shares,
“When we think about ‘growth’ in Los Angeles, the NCAs are a huge part of the
formula and vision. We are big on culture with our programs, our staff, youth and
coaches and the NCAs are a big part of the culture of PeacePlayers Los Angeles. We
are excited for the NCAs we work with to take the PeacePlayers’ mission back with
them to their work, communities and families, and as we grow, they grow with us.”
PEACEPLAYERS UNITED STATES STORYBOOK
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