Local Community Development Initiative (LCDI) Program

The LCDI Program is an Amalfi Foundation Initiative which takes a proactive and individualized approach to philanthropy focused on directly changing the lives of those experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty.

Mission & Purpose

The Amalfi Foundation established the LCDI to address issues of homelessness and poverty in Greater Los Angeles and Conejo Valley by providing support, education, and resources to establish a clear path to stable, successful futures.

Geographic Scope

• Greater Los Angeles
• Conejo Valley
• California, US

Target Population

• Currently unhoused individuals
• Low-income individuals and families
• Those struggling with extreme poverty

Program Duration

• 6-month accelerator program

Support Team

Each participant works with a dedicated LCDI Support Team comprised of:

• Case Manager
• Financial Consultant
• Career Advisor

Financial Assistance Provided

• Rent assistance
• Utilities
• Food costs
• Career certifications
• Professional apparel
• Grocery costs
• Car insurance
• Gas cards
• Healthcare
• Mental health referrals
• Other individualized assistance

Program Framework

The LCDI Program operates on a Motivational Interviewing Framework (evidence-based approach to behavior change) with four fundamental tenets:

Engaging

Establish a productive working relationship through careful listening to understand and accurately reflect the person's experience and perspective while affirming strengths and supporting autonomy.

Focusing

Negotiate an agenda that draws on both client and practitioner expertise to agree on a shared purpose.

Evoking

Gently explore and help the person build their own "why" of change through eliciting ideas and motivations. Ambivalence is normalized and explored without judgment.

Planning

Explore the "how" of change where the practitioner supports the person to consolidate commitment to change and develop a plan based on their own insights and expertise.

Developing Key Goals

• Establish short-term and long-term goals within the first meeting
• Allow candidates to choose their own path while ensuring it is clear, actionable, and sustainable
• Work with 1:1 Case Managers to establish clear action plans
• Comprehensive wraparound approach prioritizing:
  • Housing goals
  • Career goals
  • Financial goals
  • Social goals
  • Emotional goals

Promoting Financial Health

• Financial education and strategies for long-term sustainability
• Review personal spending habits, fixed costs, and income sources
• Create defined budgets within constraints
• Provide funding for basic needs during 6-month program so participants can save capital
• Graduate program with healthy savings account

Prioritizing Quality Careers

• Refine resumes
• Discuss career paths
• Develop LinkedIn profiles
• Practice interview skills
• Provide professional attire for job interviews
• Coaching and mentorship for maintaining performance once employed
• Regular check-ins to ensure job performance and upward career growth

Ensuring Longevity & Self-Sufficiency

• Address root causes of participant needs
• Invest in long-term stability and success
• Goal: Upon graduation, participants can maintain healthy living habits independently
• Participants remain part of Amalfi Foundation community after program ends
• Regular check-in calls post-program to evaluate success and determine continued support

How Participants Are Identified

• Recommendations from non-profit partners in the homeless shelter community
• Daily basis reception of recommendations for individuals who could benefit

Weekly Engagement

• Weekly meetings with LCDI Candidates
• Establish 6-month growth plan
• Prioritize career development, personal financial budgeting, and life organization

Organization Details

• Funder: The Amalfi Jets Charitable Foundation Inc. dba The Amalfi Foundation
• Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• EIN: 88-3566648
• Address: 30851 Agoura Rd Suite 305, Agoura Hills, CA 91301