Read how OTTA is helping the community!

“My name is Jessica and I am a Children Social Worker for Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. I wanted to share my wonderful experience with OTTA and Santa Monica Music Center. I have a 14 year old foster youth on my caseload who has been struggling with his mental well-being for numerous years due to childhood trauma. This youth previously had rejected participating in any extra circular activities/art/music/sports which could have promoted his mental wellbeing. This youth recently expressed the desire to learn how to play the electric guitar, which was a breakthrough in his journey of recovery and healing, however, his caregiver could not afford such an expensive instrument. I began contacting several local music stores in his community requesting any donations and or sponsorships for this foster youth to obtain an electric guitar, however, was unsuccessful in my efforts. I then began contacting music stores throughout the county and finally got information from Santa Monica Music Center which referred me to their foundation, Outreach Through The Arts website. On 7/21/22, I assisted the foster youth in completing a request for donation via the OTTA website which was quick and easy to access. The following day I was contacted by Kat who confirmed that Lana, the owner of Santa Monica Music Center and founder of OTTA had agreed to donate an electric guitar to the foster youth. When I shared this information with the foster youth and his family they were very excited and happy. On 8/4/2022, the foster youth and his family were welcomed to the store to pick out an electric guitar and also given all of the accessories needed including an amp, cords, a stand, etc. Thank you OTTA and Santa Monica Music Center! My experience with your organization has been amazing and it was so nice to be told yes you could help with a donation after repeatedly being told no. THANK YOU so much for your generosity and investment in this foster youth’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Your kindness is much appreciated and this foster youth could not be more deserving of such a gift.”