For more information call:

Kim Larson/LA's BEST
213/978-0793, 213/392-3003 (cell)
Michelle Chandler/Words Can Heal
212/713-0418

LOS ANGELES, January 25, 2003 - LA's BEST, the nationally-recognized after-school enrichment program for elementary school children in underserved areas of Los Angeles, announced it will partner with Words Can Heal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending verbal violence, bullying, teasing and gossip, to launch a new program designed to teach verbal sensitivity toward others.

"Teaching kids how to speak with truth, compassion and decency empowers them with the ability to create a civil, respectful environment whether at school, at home or in the community," stated LA's BEST President and CEO Carla Sanger during the Ninth Annual Community Jam Against Violence held today at UCLA's Royce Hall. "Today's Community Jam created a perfect nexus to introduce this new program to our students."

LA's BEST kicked off the Words Can Heal program at the Community Jam, which attracted more than 1,800 LA's BEST children and Los Angeles area residents to Royce Hall at UCLA. The event is held annually to give area children who participate in the LA's BEST program an opportunity to raise awareness about the violence that impacts their communities through a talent showcase featuring singing, dancing and poetry reading all under the theme of decrying violence. Guests at this year's Jam were treated to an exciting musical performance from Words Can Heal's high-energy touring musical group, who also led the audience of 1,800+ in taking a group pledge against verbal violence.

The Words Can Heal program is designed to create "violence and gossip free zones" by reducing verbal abuse, bullying and malicious rumors, said Sanger. Through the program, students are taught to be sensitive to the effect that words have on others and encouraged to make a pledge against harsh words and gossip. The character education program will be taught at the 105 LA's BEST sites throughout the City of Los Angeles.

LA's BEST Partners with Words Can Heal to Eliminate Verbal Violence

"Millions of Americans are hurt by verbal intolerance and insensitivity and gossip every day, and there are numerous examples of the violence that results from negative remarks," said Michelle Chandler, CEO of Words Can Heal. "Words Can Heal provides educational solutions to promote positive speech and the power of words that will build people up rather than tear them down."

Words Can Heal's partnership with LA's BEST will mark the organization's first major impact in the Los Angeles area. Words Can Heal is based in New York City. In addition to their participation at the Jam, Words Can Heal also provided training to more than 100 LA's BEST site staff who will be initiating the program at all LA's BEST sites in the weeks to come.

"We are delighted for our national campaign to reach the West Coast, the communications center of the world," said Chandler. "The more children we can impact with our awareness and educational solutions, the larger the effect will be."

About LA's BEST
LA's BEST (Better Educated Students for Tomorrow) was established in 1988 to provide a safe and supervised after school education, enrichment and recreation program for children ages 5 to 12 in underserved areas of the City of Los Angeles. LA's BEST operates as a partnership including the City of Los Angeles/Mayor's Office, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the private sector. This unique, nationally recognized program provides a balance of homework assistance and academic support with fun enrichment activities, all in a safe, supervised and caring environment at 104 elementary schools throughout the City of Los Angeles.

About Words Can Heal
Words Can Heal is a nonprofit organization created to raise awareness for the power of words to hurt or heal. Words Can Heal unites leaders from Wall Street to Main Street in a national campaign to prevent verbal abuse and create safe, civil environments. Its board of directors includes Hollywood celebrities such as Goldie Hawn, Susan Sarandon, Tom Cruise and Rene Russo, as well as Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and U.S. Senators John McCain, Tom Daschle and Harry Reid.