Anthony Pico ’14

A HOME WITHIN

Tell Us Why this Organization/Cause is Important to You or the Nominee
Anthony Pico, a former foster child, is dedicated to public service and advocacy for underserved communities. He currently works as a constituent correspondence coordinator in the Los Angeles Mayor's office, assisting residents with city services. His advocacy began at 14 with the California Youth Connection, and at 16, he was appointed to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Children in Foster Care. 

After earning his GED and working in the California State Assembly, he obtained an associate degree from Sacramento City College and transferred to LMU in 2012. Despite facing homelessness, he continued his support for others and received the Heart of a Lion service award upon graduation. 

Pico is actively involved with A Home Within, an organization with a mission to create and support lasting and caring relationships for individuals who have experienced foster care. He credits it with aiding his recovery after getting sober in 2016. He has served on its board for three years, raising substantial funds through birthday fundraisers and advocating for lived experience representation in nonprofit leadership. 

Length of Service with the Organization/Cause
2009–Present

Share Advice to Guide Students Hoping to Pursue a Career with Social Impact or in Nonprofit Industries
Organizations are looking for three things: Time, Talent, and Treasure. Your time is the most valuable thing you can ever give someone or something. Be thoughtful about what you might be able to do, and be open to more possibilities. Connecting their fundraiser to your network is a big one. But also showing up to their events is a huge benefit as it improves staff morale (I can't tell you how often I hear panic at events that no one is going to show up. Doesn't matter the event or the organizations, there's always fear that there will be low turnout nowadays). You don't have to take a big responsibility like joining a board of directors, but having a consistent responsibility within the organization you care about will often be just as important and fulfilling.
 
How Can Others Help or Get Involved 
We are always looking to grow our volunteer community of therapists! We are a national organization with chapters in 20 states. There is information about volunteering available on our website ahomewithin.org, including frequently asked questions. Other ways to support A Home Within is spreading the word, making a donation, starting a Facebook fundraiser, following us on social media, or even just subscribing to our newsletters!