Our Mission
To provide financial assistance to Southern California organizations that help disadvantaged and disabled young adults feel seen, heard and understood as they transition to adulthood.
We envision a better tomorrow for today’s youth.
To provide financial assistance to Southern California organizations that help disadvantaged and disabled young adults feel seen, heard and understood as they transition to adulthood.
The transition from youth to adulthood is challenging for all young adults – and for those with fewer advantages and limited resources, it can be particularly difficult. That’s why our grants are geared towards programs and projects that support young people ages 13-26 who need extra support in order to meet their medical, educational or other needs…. and to achieve their dreams.
We’re here to ease the transition to emerging adulthood by supporting access to mental health support, medical treatment, fertility protection during chemotherapy, funds for higher education, camp experiences and much more. In order to provide what struggling youths need to flourish, we need to partner with organizations like yours.
Leonard “Lenny” G. Leff lived in Marina Del Rey, California and worked as a Certified Public Accountant. He believed in our youth and frequently helped them. Lenny invested wisely in a few pharmaceutical companies and founded the L.L. Foundation for Youth in April 2018 with the desire to use the Foundation as a way to help young adults.
Sadly, various illnesses prevented Lenny from playing an active role in the Foundation and he passed away in June 2018, entrusting the success of his organization to Melvin J. Kreger and Renate Kreger-Hochleitner. Melvin served as CFO & Secretary until his death in 2020. Renate served as President and continues to proudly hold that position today.
Greetings,
2025 was a busy year for the L.L. Foundation for Youth as we continued to support our grantees through challenging times and uncertainties. This report highlights some of the successes we have had this past year, and we are proud to have supported these organizations that do such important work.
At the L.L. Foundation for Youth, we believe every young person deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. That is why we proudly support organizations that provide safe housing, quality health care, access to the arts, enriching camp experiences, and meaningful educational and vocational training. These programs do more than meet immediate needs—they help build brighter futures, strengthen confidence, and inspire the next generation of community leaders. We are deeply grateful to our partner organizations for carrying out this vital work every day.
The legacy of our founder, Leonard “Lenny” G. Leff, continues to inspire our work with organizations that empower youth during the formative ages of 13 to 26. It is our greatest hope that young people feel heard, seen, and understood. Our commitment to this mission is unwavering, and every initiative we champion reflects Lenny’s enduring vision.
Service to others is not just an act of generosity, it is a privilege that allows us to contribute to the world, striving to make it a better place. I have had the honor and pleasure of serving on the board of the L.L. Foundation for Youth these past five years and I’m honored to serve as President beginning 2026.
With gratitude,
Sarina Kaye
CEO, L.L. Foundation for Youth
L.L. Foundation for Youth’s Board of Directors is comprised of leaders who champion positive youth development across Southern California.
