LOS ANGELES — The Rams have found meaningful change working alongside community, nonprofit and educational leaders, driven by one powerful question, “How can the Rams help you?”
Molly Higgins, Executive Vice President of Los Angeles Rams Community Impact and Engagement, bio reads, “Believer in the power of sports to impact communities. Love conquers hate. Be the Change.” Change means to alter or modify something, and it can mean replacing something with something new or better, but the change that Higgens is speaking to is transformative- a fundamental and systemic shift.
The Los Angeles Rams are determined to revitalize and reshape a Los Angeles community impacted by homelessness, education inequities, food scarcity and criminal justice- which disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities and prevents social advancement.
The Rams have been sponsors and allies with one of Los Angeles’ most prominent fundraising events, WalkUnitedLA. The initiative prioritizes supporting those in nearby communities who are impacted by homelessness. Proceeds from the year went to aid in recovery of the Easton Palisades wildfires and United Way programs supporting low-income students, families and communities. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly served as honorary chairs for the annual-fundraising event. Over $11 million has been raised by more than 130,000 people across LA county to combat homelessness and support vulnerable communities and individuals in Los Angeles to date.
The organization has also made educational resources accessible year-around. The Los Angeles Rams are preparing current and future generations for higher education and future careers, with a goal of closing the achievement gap for low income students. By funding City Year Los Angeles (CYLA), an Ameri Corps program that supports students in underserved communities, tutors, mentors and role models have been placed at Grape Street Elementary in Watts, further supporting student matriculation and success.
In addition to addressing educational inequities with City Year, the Rams have established Watts Rams- a coed youth team that is dedicated to repairing the relationship between communities of color and law enforcement, allowing the humanity in both to be seen. Extending its impact beyond the football field, this initiative offers access to players, coach staff and enrichment activities throughout the year.
Higgins, Executive Vice President of Los Angeles Rams Community Impact and Engagement noted that, “Sports can be the carrot that can lead them to different things.” Starting this year, the Rams are introducing a new STEAM program, featuring a curriculum designed by educators that focuses on career pathways to expand career choices in underserved communities. “We want them to dream beyond their current reality,” said Higgens. She also added that being a professional athlete is not the only option for success.
Looking ahead to August 22, the Rams will host their annual Kickoff for Charity Fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles community through the Rams Foundation. This unique event offers fans a chance to dine with Rams legends and current players, supporting the foundation’s mission to inspire change.
The Rams are taking action, refusing to accept disparities in resources, inequities and forging opportunities and lifelines for the city of Los Angeles.