American Province Ministry Connections May 2021

South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (SC LAMP) Diana Pinto - Executive Director http://www.southcentrallamp.org/

As many reopening’s start to take place in Los Angeles, the SCLamp has made unusually great progress, despite all the obstacles which presented themselves to us. As a small agency with limited funding, strategic planning was key in how we could best serve those in need. The single most important priority was to make sure families did not fall “through the cracks.” Because physical, mental, and emotional health, even in the best of times, are profound issues, these realities, along with limited English language skills and internet access, the SCLamp team was concerned our community would miss important information that might ease some of their challenges.

“All in this together” became a mantra for both staff and administration. A highlight of this teamwork was the weekly food distribution. Rain or shine, our families received the resources they so desperately needed. Doing so, however, would not have been possible without the support of our faithful donors. The good news is that re-openings are taking place, and while the need for these basic essentials will always be a part of the lives of our community, all know that we are not in this alone. Our community extends far beyond the geographics of LA! Once again, please accept our sincerest gratitude for all the ways you have supported us through these challenging months. We owe our success to you, definitely so!

Casa Cornelia Law Center    Carmen M. Chavez, Esq. - Executive Director http://www.casacornelia.org/

Casa Cornelia Law Center is delighted to share its 2020 impact report. Last year, Casa Cornelia responded to 1,329 persons seeking legal services through its Asylum, Children’s, and Victims of Crime Programs.

ASYLUM PROGRAM Since its foundation, Casa Cornelia has represented individuals who seek asylum in the U.S. In 2020, the Law Center responded to 412 requests for assistance from persons fleeing violence and persecution in their homelands around the world. CHILDREN'S PROGRAM The long-standing tradition of serving migrant children, detained or resident, in our community also continued. Casa Cornelia provided services to 512 immigrant children ranging from infancy through age 17 (and into young adulthood). Many of these children suffered physical abuse, abandonment, and/or traumatic separations from families. VICTIMS OF CRIME PROGRAM During 2020, 405 individuals sought the assistance of Casa Cornelia through the Victims of Crime Program. Of them, 77% were women 26–45 years of age, many of whom are responsible for children. These survivors have often lived in the shadows of society, isolated by trauma, language, poverty, and fear. Casa Cornelia’s Mission and Spirit are rooted in the tradition of service of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, which founded the Law Center in 1993 to provide free legal services to indigent victims of human and civil rights violations. The Law Center is grateful for the ongoing support of the SHCJ Sisters, who believe in this mission of Justice with Compassion!

Providence Center    Siria Ana Rivera - Executive Director http://www.providencecentershcj.org/

Francisco is a former student in our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. He came to the United States seeking a better future for himself and his family, quickly realizing many obstacles exist that prevent immigrants from accomplishing their goals. He enrolled in our ESOL program, and in 2018, he completed both of our advanced level English classes. He then decided that he had enough confidence and knowledge of English to pursue his dream of starting his own small business. Francisco has remained connected to the Providence Center community since that time. He is a part of our staff, specifically our in-house cleaning and sanitation team, and his sons, Francisco Jr. and Diego, currently participate in our Youth Advocates program. Francisco says that Providence Center has opened doors for him and his sons, and he is grateful to be a part of such a supportive community. Francisco plans on continuing his English studies in the future, and we at Providence Center are here to support him all along the way. Once a part of our community, always a part of our community. Congratulations, Francisco, for a life well-lived!

Sponsored Ministries of the Society of Holy Child Jesus  Casa Cornelia Law Center * Providence Center Co-Sponsored Ministries of the Society of Holy Child Jesus South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (LAMP) *  Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep * Hope Partnership for Education *  Cristo Rey New York High School * Washington School for Girls    ~ ~ ~   Ministry Connections is a monthly publication highlighting ministries sponsored or co-sponsored by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.