ANNUAL REPORT
2024 - 2025
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Groundbreaking may feel like an overused word, yet few others capture the realities of this 2024–2025 program year.
Shifting public priorities, tightening government budgets, and the rapid advance of artificial intelligence have reshaped the landscape in which we work and live. At the same time, questions of equity, inclusion, and community trust have taken on renewed urgency.
These realities demand more from nonprofits, funders, and communities alike They ask us to lead with clarity and collaborate with purpose. As we reflect on the past year and look ahead, PACE remains focused on a simple but essential commitment: staying grounded in our mission while adapting thoughtfully to change
That commitment is reflected across our programs. Our Employment team connected job seekers to meaningful opportunities in an evolving economy. Our Business department supported entrepreneurs with resources to grow and compete. As housing costs continued to rise, our Housing program helped families access safe, affordable homes Our Energy team eased utility burdens, while PACE Education delivered high-quality early learning to low-income children and families.
In a time of socioeconomic uncertainty and technological change, PACE is more determined than ever to remain resilient and forward-thinking
As we look back on the progress of the past year, we thank you for standing with us as we continue our journey to combat poverty, fight inequality, and expand opportunity for all
Aloha nui loa (much love),
Kerry Doi President & CEO, PACE
PACE was founded in 1975 with a clear purpose: to support the employment needs of Pacific Asian communities in Los Angeles
Decades of listening and innovation have shaped our evolution. Today, we proudly serve communities of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. What began only as workforce development has expanded into a full spectrum of community-driven programs spanning education, housing, environmental justice, and small business support
Creating economic opportunity isn’t just about helping people; it’s about empowering them. PACE works alongside communities across Los Angeles to build lasting pathways to economic mobility and self-determination.
PACE is a community development organization that creates economic solutions to meet the employment, education, housing, environmental, and business development challenges of lowincome residents in the Pacific Asian and other underserved communities of Los Angeles.
OUR TEAM
Kerry Doi, President & CEO
Kyong (Grace) Choi, Controller
Mimi Cheung, Chief Strategy Officer
Bo Sivanunsakul, Vice President of Economic Development Executive Staff
Susie Choy, Chief Compliance Officer
Stacy Wong, Director of Human Resources
Johnson Ng, Director of Employment
Kellie Konysky, Director of Education
Leslie Diaz Villavicencio, Director of Energy
Julietta Perez, Director of Development & Communications
Carol Wu, Vice President of Lending, PACE Finance Corporation
Daniel Han, Director of Business
Sirena Ly, Executive Director, TEACH-LA
Sandra Sakamoto, Board Chairperson
Honorable Jon Mayeda (Ret.), Board Secretary
Neil Yoneji, Board Treasurer
Kerry Doi, Board Member Board of Directors
PACE Administrative Headquarters
Head Start/Early Head Start Sites Business
Our Clients
RVICE
rative ocated in houses PACE’s Business, Energy, Education, and Employment departments and TEACH-LA.
PACE also operates 15 preschool sites across Los Angeles County and two satellite business development offices in Hollywood and El Monte.
While serving all of L.A. County, PACE focuses on a primary target area spanning 51 zip codes, from the South Bay through Downtown and Central Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.
WHO WE SERVE
PACE primarily serves communities facing systemic barriers: 82.5% of responding clients identify as ethnic minorities, and 94.0% are low-to- moderate income (LMI).
Fiscal Year 2024-2025
938
$8,138,638 in utility bill payment assistance to low income households affordable housing units providing shelter and stability in wages earned by workers supported by PACE in emergency recovery loans to 14 businesses impacted by the January 2025 wildfires
1
new Learning Tree school site opened, creating a new space for children to learn and grow
$6,110,982
$95,000
ProcureLA YEARS
launched in partnership with Mayor Karen Bass, unlocking free procurement assistance for small businesses in Los Angeles
400
1,500+
attendees gathered at the first Sports & Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit, opening the doors to contract opportunities for local entrepreneurs
1,913
children and families served through comprehensive early childhood education programs
pacela.org/our-history
9,014
Total Individuals & Households Served: entrepreneurs supported, fueling small business growth
33,798 of history and activism documented in a digital timeline, honoring the legacy that made PACE’s work possible.
PACE EMPLOYMENT
Opening Doors to Economic Opportunity
Since 1975, PACE Employment has helped Angelenos access quality jobs and advance into meaningful, long-term careers.
Our career counseling, skills training, and placement services for unemployed, underemployed, and displaced workers, including subsidized employment opportunities, allow participants to gain paid work experience Additionally, we serve as a trusted partner for businesses, connecting qualified job seekers with employers to strengthen the local workforce.
Our services are tailored for our diverse community. We serve refugees, immigrants, English language learners, veterans, justice-involved individuals, and those experiencing homelessness By meeting people where they are and providing culturally competent support, we help our clients navigate barriers and achieve lasting career success.
Expanding Access, Partnerships, and Impact
In 2024-2025, PACE Employment focused on expanding our services and deepening partnerships We broadened our reach by offering more services virtually and onsite at partner organizations, improving our ability to help clients complete training programs, earn industry-recognized credentials, and secure quality jobs.
At the same time, we made new connections with local employers, significantly increasing opportunities for workbased learning, on-the-job training, and new job openings
This combination of expanded services, strengthened partnerships, and increased employer engagement allowed PACE to place 493 workers this year, the highest in our program’s history.
493
Workers Placed in Jobs
$19.07
Average Hourly Wage of Placed Workers
1,072
Workers Counseled, Trained &/or Placed, Services Received
“
PACE BROUGHT ME A LOT OF HOPE. PACE HELPED ME BREATHE AGAIN, IF THAT MAKES SENSE.
Getting into the medical assistant field feels like my foot in the door to the rest of the field. If I’m able to pull this off, what else can I do in the future?
It turns out I like helping people those aren’t words I strung together before. Before it was about helping me, but then I realized I like helping people. Being homeless and not having anything besides a backpack honestly made a lot of other things feel trivial. Now, wherever I’m living, it doesn’t seem to matter as long as I’m helping somebody.
- FREEMAN, PACE EMPLOYMENT CLIENT
Freeman’s Story: From Skid Row to a New Beginning
When Freeman came to PACE Employment, he was experiencing homelessness after losing his job during the pandemic
Ongoing COVID complications and frequent medical appointments made it difficult for him to maintain steady work, leaving him both unemployed and unhoused.
Through PACE, Freeman discovered opportunities in the medical field and received the training, work attire, and supportive resources he needed to succeed He was placed in an internship with a local hospital, which eventually led to full-time employment.
Today, Freeman is stably employed and no longer homeless, an inspiring example of resilience and how PACE's Employment services can provide lifechanging opportunities for our most vulnerable community members
Watch Freeman’s Story
PACE EDUCATION
Giving Young Learners a Strong Start
PACE Education believes that early learning is essential for shaping a child’s sense of belonging, emotional resilience, and long-term success
Through both Head Start and Early Head Start programs, we provide high-quality early education during the most critical years of development, particularly for children in lowincome and underserved communities
Supporting the Whole Famil
Across 15 preschool sites, PACE creates n learning environments where children ca Our approach centers on comprehensive family support, engaging parents as activ partners through volunteer opportunities parent committees that strengthen famil involvement
Beyond learning, we ensure children’s bas are met, including access to consistent, nu meals that support healthy development
PACE Education also serves families facing complex challenges, including those experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and children with disabilities By meeting families where they are and addressing both educational and essential needs, PACE helps create stability and pathways to long-term opportunity
1,913
Children & Families Served
137,069
Parent Volunteer Hours
315,516
Meals Prepared
I want to thank PACE for the opportunity it’s given my son to have a good foundation for his education, and also to give me a good foundation for my education.
I believe that information is the key to open doors. With that key, we’ll be able to help our children.
- LAURA, PACE EDUCATION CLIENT
Laura’s Story: A Passionate Parent and Advocate
When Laura enrolled her son Eduardo in PACE’s Head Start program, she hoped he would be ready for school What she didn’t expect was how much the program would transform both of their lives.
Eduardo struggled with socializing and rough play, making it hard for him to connect with other children
Watch Laura’s story
Through PACE, his teacher connected the family with a psychologist who helped him learn how to play, share, and build healthy relationships With the right support, he began to thrive, and Laura gained the tools and confidence to guide him at home.
That support didn’t stop in the classroom Laura joined the Parent Committee at PACE’s West Blvd school site, where she was further encouraged her to become a family advocate Volunteering at the school became a turning point, shaping both her personal growth and career path.
With PACE’s guidance, Laura is now pursuing her Family Development Credential, a nationally recognized professional program for those working with families Laura believes deeply in the power of education; not just for children, but for parents too. Her goal is to help other families access the same tools, resources, and confidence she gained through PACE
PACE ENERGY
Advancing Energy Equity
PACE Energy continued its commitment to reducing the energy burden on low-income households across Los Angeles
PACE offers utility bill assistance, weatherization services, and energy conservation education through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). With energy costs on the rise, our utility bill assistance helps households manage immediate financial pressures and stay connected to essential services
Similarly, our weatherization services create a lasting impact by making homes safer, more comfortable, and energy efficient. From repairing or replacing appliances to adding insulation and installing energy-saving fixtures, these upgrades help families reduce energy use and enjoy long-term savings.
Partnering for Impact
As a Quality Assurance provider for Southern California Edison’s Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP), we ensure that energy-saving installations are done correctly and meet program standards for low-income households across Southern California
We also partner with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to engage and educate Angelenos about available rebates, discounts, and conservation programs that help households save money on utilities while conserving energy.
Through direct services, education, and quality oversight, we help our communities reduce costs while advancing energy equity
18,047
Clients Served
660
8,092
Advocating for Energy Affordability
PACE Energy is proud to actively participate in working groups with LADWP and other local utilities, advocating for the needs of low-income households as California advances electrification to reduce carbon emissions. Through this work, PACE has helped shape conversations around the policies and interventions needed to protect energy affordability for diverse, low-income families across Southern California
Albertinia’s Story: A Home Made Safe and Comfortable
Albertinia’s family has lived in their Los Angeles craftsman home since 1952 When she returned to care for her aging mother, she was confronted with the cost and complexity of maintaining the house. One estimate alone left her stunned: an “outrageous” $4,000 quote to replace the home’s heater, with no clear way to pay for it
That’s when PACE Energy stepped in. Our weatherization crew visited Albertinia’s home and installed a modern split system for heating and air conditioning, sealed doors to keep out pests, and ensured the home was safe by installing a carbon monoxide detector
The impact was immediate. Thanks to PACE, Albertenia now enjoys a newfound peace of mind She no longer frets about a broken heater or the safety of her pets and home. “They’ve taken that worry from this old house away from me It’s a freedom,” she says
Thanks to PACE Energy, Albertinia’s home has become a place where warmth, safety, and freedom are part of everyday life.
Watch Albertinia’s story
“
SINCE PACE HAS BEEN HERE, I HAVEN’T BEEN ALARMED BY ANYTHING.
From the moment they walked in and introduced themselves, I enjoyed their company.
They allowed me to share in what they were doing to my home that was great. I know where things are now, and I know to call if I need them. I don’t have to worry about the heater, so I feel safe when I go to sleep, and they’ve taken that worry from this old house away from me.
- ALBERTINIA,
PACE HOUSING
Providing a Foundation for Opportunity
PACE believes that a stable, affordable home is the foundation for economic security, personal growth, and family stability.
Stable housing provides more than just shelter; it strengthens communities and opens the door to economic opportunity For decades, PACE has worked to ensure that residents across Los Angeles County have access to safe, supportive housing.
Today, PACE manages nearly 1,000 units of affordable housing across the LA region from Sylmar to Carson, and from Culver City to La Puente Our housing portfolio is designed to be affordable and accessible for those who need it most Some units are reserved for households at or below 20% of Area Median Income (AMI), while other units are reserved for residents experiencing homelessness, older adults, transitional-age youth, and people with disabilities.
Beyond having an affordable place to live, our residents have full access to the wide range of supportive programming that PACE offers, including early childhood education and childcare, employment services, financial literacy and credit-building assistance, and utility assistance. This holistic approach ensures that residents not only gain stable housing, but also the tools and resources to achieve full economic self-sufficiency.
This Year: Growth and Impact
In 2024–2025, PACE continued to expand access to affordable housing, adding 64 new units to our portfolio in the face of the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County
Within our overall housing portfolio:
86% of residents live at or below 50% AMI
30% are older adults or residents with special needs
5% are transitional-age youth
3% are residents with disabilities
Low Income Residents Served 809
Seniors & Residents with Disabilities/Special Needs Served 311
Housing Spotlight: Grandview Nine Apartments
Since opening in 2002, Grandview Nine Apartments have provided safe, affordable housing for a diverse mix of lowincome families and individuals
With 62 total units, the property is home to about 200 residents at any given time and even features an on-site Head Start program through PACE Education
All units are reserved for families at or below 50% AMI, and one unit is designated for residents with disabilities. The community serves a diverse population, including many Korean- and Spanish-speaking households, and many residents have benefited from PACE services such as our early childhood education programs and weatherization support through PACE Energy.
Affordable Housing Units Managed 938
These programs are beautiful. People really do need it, and they’re grateful for what they have.
- SARAI, PROPERTY MANAGER, GRANDVIEW NINE
PACE BUSINESS
Resilience & Rebuilding
PACE Business was founded in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, when local small businesses suffered severe economic losses. Since then, the program has provided counseling and technical assistance, procurement support, and access to capital to empower underserved businesses and entrepreneurs
In the 2024–2025 program year, PACE Business was reminded of its origins as Los Angeles faced devastating wildfires in January 2025, alongside continued inflation and economic uncertainty Despite these challenges, PACE Business remained resilient, securing $2.15 million in contracts to help disadvantaged small businesses stabilize, rebuild, and grow.
Highlights from this program year include:
Hosting the first-ever ProcureLA Summit in partnership with Mayor Karen Bass, convening ~500 local businesses, government agencies, and procurement leaders
Reaching a milestone of $160 MM+ in contracts secured for clients since 2020
Launching the Small Business Emergency Relief Loan Program, providing fast, flexible loans to wildfireimpacted businesses
Promoting Access to Capital
PACE Finance Corporation (PFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of PACE, provides loans, financial support, and technical assistance to local small businesses As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), PFC addresses inequities in the financial system by delivering affordable capital to disadvantaged entrepreneurs historically excluded from traditional lending, helping them build sustainable and thriving businesses.
9,014 $18.8MM
Entrepreneurs Trained/Counseled Loans Packaged/Placed/Funded
1,049 Businesses Assisted
638
Businesses
Frank’s Story: Sharing Joy Through Be Bright Coffee
When Frank left his corporate job in 2020, his goal was simple: share joy through coffee
What began as a small online shop during t quickly grew into one of Los Angeles’ most business success stories.
Frank and his wife Michelle launched Be Br an e-commerce platform offering freshly ro brew gear, and subscriptions. By mid-2021, t their brand to Smorgasburg LA, the iconic o market, where weekly sales tripled and dem
Encouraged by this momentum, Frank turn Finance Corporation for support With a $50 capital loan, Be Bright opened its first brick café on Melrose Avenue in 2022 a welcom neighborhood space rooted in the brand’s m bright. Be kind. Drink great coffee.”
In 2024, Frank earned national recognition as the U.S. Barista Champion, further fueling growth. With a $190,000 PACE Green Loan backed by an IBank guarantee, Be Bright is now building a second location in Chinatown that will create nine local jobs and advance the company’s commitment to sustainability through fuel-efficient in-house coffee roasting, recyclable packaging, and ethical coffee bean sourcing
Today, Be Bright Coffee supplies more than 40 cafés and restaurants statewide including several featured on the LA Times 101 Best Restaurants list while continuing to serve customers online and in-store. Frank’s incredible journey reflects the impact of perseverance, community support, and access to capital.
“
It’s resources like PACE that really helped me make my dreams come true. I just want to say to the staff at PACE: thank you so much for believing in us and giving us this opportunity.
- FRANK, PACE BUSINESS CLIENT
Watch Frank’s Story
STOP THE HATE
Promoting Safety and Awareness
Funded by the California Department of Social Services, the Stop the Hate initiative supports more than 180 community organizations statewide in providing services to individuals and communities targeted by acts of hate. Through prevention education and digital outreach, PACE provides culturally informed guidance and practical resources to strengthen responses to acts of hate.
PACE has partnered with the Korean American Law Enforcement Organization (KALEO) to provide digital and in-person community safety trainings for law enforcement, older adults, and community members These sessions raise awareness of hate crimes and equip participants with practical tools to safely respond to and report incidents, including bystander strategies and reporting hotlines
This year, our Security and Awareness as Fundamental Education (SAFE) training video and presentation was translated into 16 languages, greatly increasing accessibility. By providing multilingual safety resources, PACE continues to advance a safer and more inclusive Los Angeles.
Engaging Statewide Partners
As part of our commitment to statewide collaboration, PACE participated in the Stop the Hate Statewide Convening held in Sacramento In addition to connecting with organizations from across California to share best practices and advance collective strategies, PACE engaged with state legislators to raise awareness of the program and the needs of communities affected by hate.
TEACH-LA
Creating Pathways for Aspiring Educators
Now in its second year, TEACH-LA is strengthening the early childhood education workforce by creating supported career pathways for aspiring educators.
The program offers paid, hands-on experience while participants complete required coursework through partner community colleges and higher-education institutions to obtain their teacher permits.
TEACH-LA not only employs participants but also provides teacher assignment services for licensed and credentialed full-time and substitute teachers, teacher assistants, and other classroom staff in preschools throughout Los Angeles County
Amid ongoing underinvestment and educator shortages, particularly in low-income communities, TEACH-LA is proud to expand access to quality early learning while empowering the next generation of early childhood educators
Success in Action: Stabilizing
Head Start Staffing
Within its first year, TEACH-LA became a trusted partner for Head Start agencies. One client was struggling with over 50% staff vacancies and unpredictable coverage, putting classrooms at risk of closure.
TEACH-LA stepped in, providing qualified, long-term substitutes and fully staffing all sites This support prevented classroom closures, ensured consistent care for children, and led the client to designate TEACH-LA as their preferred staffing partner moving forward.
42
Jobs Created
400
Classrooms Served
36
Teachers Promoted
7/1/2024 - 6/30/2025
REVENUE & SUPPORT
Earned Governmental Grants/Contracts
Other Grants and Contracts
Interest Income Contributions/Donations
Other Income $43,010,695 $2,687,913 $613,659 $1,110,860 $339,659
Total Revenue & Support $47,762,786 EXPENSES
and Administration $23,768,397 $7,899,227 $5,572,619 $2,458,496 $500,366 $1,722,232 $41,921,337 $4,303,949
Total Expenses $46,225,286
CUMULATIVE IMPACT
OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS
GOVERNMENT
California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD)
California Department of Education (CDE)
California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
City of Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD)
County of Los Angeles Employment Development Department (EDD)
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro)
Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
Los Angeles Development Fund (LADF)
Office of Head Start (through LACOE Grantee)
Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
Senator Alex Padilla
South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB)
State of California
California State Treasurer's Office (STO)
US Department of Commerce
US Department of Energy (DOE)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
IN KIND
Adar Carver
Baby2Baby
Brandon Leibowitz
Clemente Arenales Jr
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
DJR Consulting
Edutrain
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Gregory Martin
Harbor Building Maintenance
Jimmy Wong
Karen Shultz
Lakeshore
Lizette Gabriel
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE)
Maeshiro Consulting
National Council of Jewish
Women Los Angeles (NCJW|LA)
One Voice
PACE Business
Parent Institute of Quality
Education
Patty Ross
Printing Graphics
Salma Baqai
South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB)
Wai Ling Chin
AEG
American Business Bank
American First National Bank Bank of America
BMO
Bob Rapoza
California Bank & Trust
Cathay Bank
Cedars-Sinai
City National Bank
Comerica Bank
CTBC Bank
East West Bank
Enterprise Bank & Trust
EverTrust Bank
First Citizens Bank
HSBC
Jamison 1055 Wislhire LLC
Janice Tamehiro
JPMorganChase
McMaster-Carr
Mega Bank
National Community Reinvestment Coaltion (NCRC)
Pacific Premier Bank
PNC Bank
Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA)
Royal Business Bank
SMBC ManuBank
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
Southern California Edison State Bank of India
UKOGF Foundation
US Bank
Verizon
Wells Fargo
Action Accounting Bank of America
Bet Tzedek
Cal State University, Dominguez Hills
California Pollution Control
Financing Authority (CPCFA)
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
City of Los Angeles
CMTC
DGS
EVIA
Finli
GAIN Workers
Genwest Capital
Jon Mayeda
Kerry Doi
LACOE Career Development Initiative
Los Angeles Mayor's Office
Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission
Loyola Marymount University
Neil Yoneji
NetKiller
Royal Business Bank
Sandy Sakamoto
SMILE Pediatric Therapy & Diagnostic
Veritas Healthcare
Western University
Westpac Wealth Partner
Thank You!
Behind every PACE program is the generosity of our partners and funders Your support opens doors to lasting economic opportunity for underserved communities across Los Angeles.
