Meet Ed Lynch | Founder & Executive Director, Mychal’s Learning Place

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ed Lynch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ed, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think the biggest factor behind our success is that we, the entire Mychal’s Learning Place organization, operate from a place of understanding that the most important thing about what we are doing is the mission. We are here not for ourselves, but for our students and participants. “It’s not about us.” Everyday we come to work to teach, prepare, and steward our participants so that they can learn the skills necessary to live a more independent life.

I think that type of selflessness really translates into the right frame of mind for everything that we do. Take yourself out of the equation, the biggest impact we can make is helping our students achieve their goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the Founder and Executive Director for a 501c3 nonprofit organization called Mychal’s Learning Place and based out of Hawthorne, CA. We are dedicated to providing support and opportunities to youth and young adults with developmental disabilities to build their independence and pursue their goals and dreams. The path to the success you might see today after 22 years in business what not always easy, we started as an After School Program working out of a donated space at a local church, and then continued to grow and expand along the way, first finding our own building on Rosecrans, then expanding with an adult program, then creating social enterprises to create more job training opportunities, and now who knows what’s next. We continue to strive for more so that our participants can live the kinds of lives they dream of.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d likely start with a casual lunch at one of my favorite spots, Lil’ Simmzy’s at The Point in El Segundo. They have a wonderful outdoor porch vibe that looks out on the open grass area and they alway shave a nice cold Common Space Pilsner on tap. Which reminds me of another stop, definitely Common Space Brewery in Hawthorne for Trivia Night! They are owned by an awesome family and have delicious cold beer, something for everyone! Plus, if you’re competitive like me, hit them up on trivia night for a LOT of fun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My daughter Mychal. She is my inspiration everyday for continuing to do the work. She was the original inspiration behind Mychal’s Learning Place, while she was younger I used to tour various organizations and never felt like any place would truly help Mychal thrive. That’s why I created Mychal’s Learning Place, a place where our participants can feel supported, loved, at home and also challenged to do more so that they can accomplish their goals.

Website: mychals.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mychalslearningplace/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mychal’s-learning-place

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MychalsLearningPlace

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MychalsLearningPlace

Image Credits
Liz Reinhardt and Courtesy of Mychal’s Learning Place