Impact Stories

Real people. Real struggles. Real solutions.

At 211 LA, every call tells a story of resilience, compassion, and the power of connection. Our Impact Stories video series highlights the journeys of individuals and families who found hope and direction through 211 LA’s care coordination, community partnerships, and unwavering commitment to serving Los Angeles County.

These stories reflect the heart of our mission: to ensure that no one faces life’s hardest challenges alone.

Gold Telly Award for Lewis Jackson’s Inspiring 211 LA Impact Story

We are thrilled to share that 211 LA’s Impact Story of Lewis Jackson, a U.S. Veteran, has been honored with a Gold Telly Award! This recognition celebrates the powerful storytelling by our partners at Art Simon Productions, who helped bring Lewis’s journey to life.

Lewis served in the Iraq War and, after injury, incarceration, and homelessness, faced overwhelming barriers to rebuilding his life. When he called 211 LA, our care coordinators listened with compassion, connected him to housing and job training, and helped secure the tools he needed to reestablish his career. Today, Lewis is thriving as a case manager at Hope of the Valley, helping others find stability and hope—an inspiring full-circle story of resilience and renewed purpose.

The Telly Awards receive more than 13,000 entries each year from some of the world’s top storytellers, including Netflix, HBO, PBS, and National Geographic. To have Lewis’s story recognized alongside such esteemed company is both a tremendous honor and a testament to the impact of 211 LA’s work in the community.

Watch Lewis’s Award-Winning Story Below

Lewis Jackson – Renewed Purpose

After serving in the Iraq War, Lewis Jackson faced injury, incarceration, and homelessness. When all doors seemed closed, one call to 211 LA connected him to housing support, job training, and tools to rebuild his life. Today, he serves as a case manager, helping others find stability and hope.

Gilma Dominguez – “The Best Thing That Could Ever Happen to Me”

Escaping violence in El Salvador, Gilma arrived in Los Angeles with her young son, seeking safety and a new start. Through 211 LA, she found shelter, cancer care, permanent housing, and support for her son’s autism diagnosis. For Gilma, 211 LA became more than a lifeline—it became family.

Words Matter: Students Leading Change Against Hate

Students at La Puente High School launched a school-wide campaign to challenge harmful language and promote empathy and inclusion. With support from 211 LA’s Stop the Hate initiative, they proved that change can begin with the words we choose.

Street Vendors Confront Hate and Discrimination

This film follows Milagros Cova, a street vendor in Los Angeles County, as she navigates daily threats and discrimination despite legal protections. 211 LA’s outreach work is breaking the silence and ensuring that vulnerable workers are seen, supported, and protected.

Making the Impossible Possible - Antonio & Damien's Story

Antonio was heartbroken when his 2-year-old son Damian was taken into County custody. Struggling with substance use and a system that felt impossible, he was ready to give up. Then he dialed 211—and found the support to fight for his family’s future.

Why These Stories Matter

For more than 40 years, 211 LA has been the trusted connection point for Angelenos in need. Every year, we support hundreds of thousands of residents—whether through disaster recovery, housing support, aging and disability services, or anti-hate initiatives.

These stories are not just about the individuals we help. They are about a community standing together, one call at a time.

Learn More about our impact throughout our Annual Report and Data Dashboard.

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