Lennox Educational Neighborhood Zone (LENZ)
Overview | Map of Lennox
In a 2004 L. A. Times article, the L. A. County Sheriff stated that Lennox, California is, “…home to the most impoverished, underserved and vulnerable population of L.A. youth.” Approximately 24,000 residents, including 12,000 children from ages 0-18, live in a 1.3 square mile unincorporated area adjacent to the Los Angeles International Airport. Many of these residents live under the poverty line on a median household income of $29,000 per year. This makes Lennox one of the densest and poorest sectors of the state.
The Lennox Educational Neighborhood Zone, (LENZ) is a place-based initiative whose goal is to work in partnership with existing community-based organizations to create a focused approach to meeting community needs by providing support, services, and programs.
Over the next five years, this effort aims to address the severe lack of resources in education, health, social services, and the arts for children and families living in Lennox. By coordinating efforts with local school districts, universities, non-profit organizations, churches, businesses, and governmental agencies, LENZ is able to capitalize on the community’s assets and create opportunities for collaboration across all sectors. Together, LENZ partners will be able to work more efficiently by minimizing the duplication of services, maximizing community outreach efforts, and supporting effective programs in perpetuity.