Venice Paparazzi will be on the scene at Airport Marina Counseling Service’s Spring into Well-Being Celebration on May 16th! Join us!

Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS), founded in 1962, is a nonprofit, community-based mental health clinic that serves the LAX, South Bay and Westside areas of Los Angeles. AMCS offers community-based, accessible mental health services; and provides quality training to therapists.

Here is a message from Airport Marina Counseling Service!

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, AMCS will hold its annual “Spring into Well-Being” Celebration to celebrate the success of our 2024 Community Builder, Chad Maender, and the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce.

Maender has led the Chamber since January of 2022, guiding its more than 640 members in its goal to be the strongest voice possible for the business community, to connect with government to solve problems, to work with the community to address quality of life issues and to connect businesses with each other.

Since 1953, the Chamber has taken the lead on every meaningful issue affecting the business and residential communities it represents, keenly aware of balancing what is good for businesses with what is good for local residents.

During his time at the Chamber, Maender has worked hard to focus the efforts of the organization and its members on improving the community as well as expanding their reach to more diverse businesses across the region. The Chamber hosts the largest event in the area – the annual Fourth of July Parade, which draws thousands of spectators every year. In addition, the Chamber honors teachers, first responders and community leaders at various events throughout the year.

Prior to his time at the Chamber, Maender spent nearly 12 years at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, including nearly eight years as the operations Executive Director at the Westchester Family YMCA. Originally from St. Louis, he earned his bachelor’s degree in studio arts and art history from the University of Minnesota and now lives in Hawthorne with his wife, Alaina; and two children, Saylor and Cashel.

“Chad and the Chamber have been incredible partners to our community and to the clinic,” said Garcia-Balis, who said both would be honored at the 2024 Spring into Well-Being Celebration on Thursday, May 16. “We are proud to recognize all that Chad and the Chamber have done for our area.”