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CRENSHAW : YWCA Loses Leader; New Agency Gains

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After four years as director of the Angeles Mesa YWCA, D’Ann Morris has resigned to become executive director of Christmas in April, a nonprofit program that renovates homes for senior citizens, the disabled and low-income people.

Morris brought several new programs to the YWCA, including the Teen Club, peer counseling, swim team and day camp for children on vacation from school. She recruited a steady stream of volunteers, ranging from parents to instructors of unusual classes such as Afro-Brazilian martial arts.

Morris also made the Angeles Mesa branch more profitable than it had been in its 24-year history. In her first six months, the branch generated $10,000 more than it had made in 10 years, said Darnell Pinkard, chief operating officer of the YWCA of Greater Central Los Angeles.

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“She really recognized the need to involve the youth, and their families,” Pinkard said. “She was also a positive force with her colleagues.”

During a farewell reception, friends paid tribute to Morris through words, song and dance. Highlights included an original rap and dance created by the teen-agers who became involved with the YWCA through Morris’ encouragement.

“It’s been a real rewarding experience,” Morris said. “What I’ll miss most are the kids and teens, the smiles on their faces. But I’ll still be in the community I grew up in. I’ll still be giving something back.”

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Christmas in April, a national organization, will begin its new Los Angeles chapter under Morris’ leadership. Every April, the program provides needy people with roofing, electrical and plastering work, gardening services and painting.

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