Meet Jonathan Zeichner of A Place Called Home in South Central

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Zeichner.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jonathan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I arrived in L.A. in 1989 to work as a writer/director/actor and soon after became involved with an organization doing theater-based therapeutic work in psychiatric, homeless and prison settings, and area that called to me in part because I have a brother who has spent many years on the streets and in and out of jails and hospitals due to schizophrenia. I became the director of that nonprofit in 1993 and also launched a new program to work in inner-city schools. In 1996 that program, The School Project, spawned a new nonprofit called Inside Out Community Arts, which I cofounded and directed for 14 years, while continuing to do some writing and directing for TV and film. In 2009, I was recruited to take the helm at A Place Called Home and to work with the board of directors to lead the agency to a new level of efficacy and service to the community. Eight years later, APCH is thriving and expanding, while providing a comprehensive array of high quality programs and services to youth and families in South Central L.A.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like most humans, my path has had its twists and turns and ups and downs. My personal mission is to find meaning, evolve as far as I can during my time on the planet and make myself useful along the way. Being part of a family that has known mental illness, violence, and other challenges has required that I develop resilience and empathy. I have learned that while life is full of blessings and challenges, I am entitled to nothing, and that being of service to others is what makes me happiest. Always learning.

Please tell us about A Place Called Home.
A Place Called Home is an oasis of love, creativity and possibility in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the country. Through education, the arts, counseling, nutrition, athletics, agriculture and vocational development, we are helping young people and families overcome adversity and poverty, break negative cycles, and embrace a world of opportunity and community involvement. APCH is a dynamic, productive and joyful environment where every day limitations are being dissolved and futures are being empowered and reimagined. And we have a lot of fun!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Gotten more education and danced more.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2830 South Central Avenue Avenue
  Los Angeles, CA 90011
• Website: apch.org
• Phone: 323-232-7653
• Email: info@apch.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apch2830/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APCH2830/
• Twitter: @apch2830

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