I'm so excited to be participating in such a powerful event during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a beautiful month of reflection, love and giving. I can't think of a better way to participate in this year's 5K than to support CRUSH's mission of providing intervention and prevention services to at-risk youth and marginalized youth. 

Below is some background on CRUSH's mission. 

CRUSH:

"The objective of our project is to provide intervention and prevention services for at-risk youth and marginalized youth, who have experienced childhood trauma, physical and emotional abuse, and exposure to violence, including gang violence. Many of our youth have mental or physical disabilities. They come from homelessness, single parent families or foster homes, have been incarcerated, or have been exposed to drug and alcohol use. 
 

Our services include gang prevention and intervention, substance use treatment, mentoring through workshops, reentry services such as job readiness and training, and connecting youth to services such as summer camps and extra-curricular activities that meet their needs and lead to success and independence. Our intention is to provide support and guidance to youth from the inner cities of Los Angeles County and surrounding areas and guide them to engage in positive activities and become empowered, productive members of their communities."