LOS ANGELES — Some of the trees seen around Los Angeles County are grown at the LA Conservation Corps in Hollywood.

The Corps helped grow and plant 2,600 trees around the county on public grounds. Members of the corps come from different walks of life, and the organization provides much-needed opportunities to at-risk youth from underserved communities.

Teresa Rogel joined the corps at 19. At the time, Rogel was looking for direction. Her brother suggested she join the corps. Rogel’s family dealt with financial hardship while she was growing up in South LA. They were homeless for a period of time, and at 12 years of age, Rogel entered the foster care system. LA County has the most youth and young adults in foster care, with roughly 22,000 people in the system. Of those, roughly three quarters of the people in foster care are either Latino or Black.

“Those of us who are already down in the dirt don’t need to stay down in the dirt,” Rogel said. “We should be able to get a higher education. We deserve that as well.”

The corps helps young people finish high school and gives them valuable work experience.

Amanda Bashir is the nursery manager at the City Plants Nursery. She works with young people from underserved areas and acts as a mentor for people in the corps. 

“It’s also kind of in a sense, a second chance for people who might not get that elsewhere,” Barshir said. “Sometimes our participants need more than a chance. Sometimes, it takes several chances, but we try to keep those doors open.”

Now 21 years old, Rogel has full-time employment with the corps and helps grow, plant and deliver trees around the county. She is thrilled to have the opportunity, and is helping to take care of her loved ones, while also inspiring other young people from underserved areas. 

“I take care of my family with the money I make here,” Rogel said. “I have so much to provide, so much knowledge now that I can pass on to people who come after me.”

To learn more about the LA Conservation Corps and about how you can have a free tree delivered, click here.