United in Harmony is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that was established in 1989 as a response to children facing homelessness and poverty in our community.
Our Mission
United in Harmony’s mission is to provide children experiencing poverty with hope and opportunities. United in Harmony’s overnight-camp program (Camp Harmony) is designed to help children develop positive self-esteem, inspiring and empowering them in their future endeavors. At Camp Harmony, children grow through interactions with teenage and adult role models while experiencing nature, exploring arts, sports, and an array of other enriching activities.
Facts about underserved children in Los Angeles*:
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19.5% of Los Angeles County children live in poverty.
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Over half of families living below Self-Sufficiency Standard
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14.5% of children live in Food Insecure Households
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In 2021, 893,100 Students are eligible for free school meals
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45.9% of Children in Pre-K-5th Grade have been recorded as being homeless at any point during a school year
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34.6% of children are living in Crowded Households
*Data from kidsdata.org
Camp Harmony
Camp Harmony is at the heart of United in Harmony. It offers underserved children a break from the challenges of daily life, a place to play freely, discover new talents, and learn to trust and take risks. Children enjoy a five-night summer camp experience and a shorter two-night winter camp. Our goal is to build relationships and self-esteem, highlight the beauty of nature, and provide activities in art, sports, personal health, and personal challenge.
Leadership
Over 100 volunteer counselors participate in United in Harmony’s Leadership Program, a post-camp initiative that helps them maintain relationships with campers through monthly engagements with partner agencies. Returning counselors have the opportunity to continue the connections they formed at camp. The Leadership Program meets twice monthly throughout the school year.
Holiday Party
Each year, United in Harmony hosts a Holiday Party for more than 200 children from various agency partners. This tradition brings the joy of the holiday season to those in need as counselors, support staff, and campers come together for an afternoon of fun, food, crafts, gifts, and a visit from Santa. Every child goes home with new toys, clothing, books, and more. This special event also welcomes volunteers of all ages.
Organization Leadership
Executive Director
Lindsay Schwartz
Lindsay Schwartz started as a volunteer camp counselor for United in Harmony, Camp Harmony, as a high school student in 1999. After her first summer session, she was hooked. The impact of the program on her was tremendous.
She continued as a volunteer camp counselor through high school and became a volunteer Unit Head during college. After college, Lindsay continued her dedication to the organization by helping run a leadership group, assisting with programming as a Program Director, and eventually being invited to join the Board of Directors. In 2016, she was offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to take over as Executive Director of United in Harmony, Camp Harmony.
Having an Executive Director who has grown up in our program has been so beneficial to the organization. She understands every layer of United in Harmony and how it runs, making sure all aspects work effectively and efficiently.
Her passion for Harmony is evident in her dedication to the organization, campers, and volunteers.
Board of Directors
- Andrew Bank
- Katie Chaudry
- Tracy Curran
- Drew Furedi
- Wendie Goode Dox
- Aaron Leff
- Shana Passman
- Doug Praw
- Ronna Slutske
Executive Committee
- Adam Slutske, Board President
- Jordan Passman, Vice President
- Carol Goldberg, Treasurer
- Lorri Herman, Secretary
- Nicholas Melvoin, Camp Director
- Brett Marz, Director of Operations
Development Associate
- Hannah Hertel