By Wyatt Miller
Community engagement was always a big part of Ann Holland Stacy's family. As the senior manager of volunteerism at A Place Called Home, she gets to help facilitate that for herself and others.
"The concept of showing up, asking 'How can I be of use?' or 'What is needed?' and listening to learn how to best support a friend, an organization, a community or a cause was woven into the fabric of my family," Stacy said.
The idea that giving back is as important as classroom curriculum was also part of the foundation of both the high school and college she attended. Being brought up to value community engagement so highly has made "pursuing that type of connection in any (or many) ways, feels equally essential and joyful," Stacy said.
Stacy's role involves organizing events and volunteers for A Place Called Home, where she's worked for around a decade. Recently, she was named the Rams' fifth "pLAymaker" of 2025 for her work in the L.A. community and presented with a $5,000 check made out to the organization.
"To me, being named a 'pLAymaker' is a celebration of the A Place Called Home community as a whole, and of each person who's been part of our story since we opened our doors in 1993," she said.
"In football, it takes the teamwork of multiple players to execute a successful play, and many plays to field a successful game. At APCH, it takes the dedication and unique contributions of everyone in our community – our youth and families, staff members, South Central neighbors, volunteers, supporters and community partners such as the Rams – to make it the special place it is, and to bring our mission to life."
The mission of APCH is "to inspire, encourage, and support the young people in South Central Los Angeles to achieve social, emotional, and economic success," Stacy said. There have been many instances where Stacy has felt the impact of that mission and their collective work to achieve it.
Whenever APCH hosts community events – examples being the Thanksgiving turkey and grocery distribution and back to school backpack distribution and resource fair – the youth they have served in the past are often the first to sign up to be part of the event volunteer team.
Their college scholars often dedicate time at APCH throughout the year by volunteering to work with young members. They help with homework, sports or really whatever is needed.
"Their decision to share time back at APCH – pouring care and intention into the next generation – really illustrates how the values APCH strives to instill in our youth take root and blossom," Stacy said. "Knowing that the actions and kind presence our older members model will in turn influence and inspire our younger members is a reminder of the powerful and positive impact that results from intentional community connection. And knowing these young people are the emerging and future leaders of our community and beyond is a bright source of encouragement and hope."
Inspiring change in her community is something Stacy has done for a long time, and it doesn't take infinite resources to do it, just time and a willingness to engage with others.
"Inspiring change means showing up with authenticity, empathy, openness and respect, ready to listen, ask questions and work," she said. "It happens when we connect in a way that recognizes all voices and the importance and power of a collective effort. It seeks to build safety, opportunities and systems that uplift all people and communities."
