A Letter from our Executive Director | | |
Dear South Central LAMP Community,
I’m really unsure what to write at this moment. It feels like I’m trying to go about my day like normal, when there is nothing normal about what is going on in our country.
Recently, two people were shot and killed by ICE with little care for life or consequences. My heart goes out to all the surviving families after deaths caused by ICE under this administration. In January, the Guardian reported that 2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in two decades with 32 people dying in custody. ICE detention centers have little oversight, and many representatives have been denied access into these facilities. We know very little about what is going on in these centers.
In times like these, I am reminded of Martin Luther King’s Jr. words in a Letter from Birmingham Jail: “freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” And so, we continue to demand – South Central LAMP was created as a social justice agency, and we remain committed to supporting marginalized communities and advocating for dignity, justice and human rights for all – just as our founders taught us. History reminds us that even our worst moments have often become catalysts for transformation, progress and evolution.
Let’s not miss our opportunity for real change. Stay focused on what you can do rather than what you cannot! Progress is not easy but worth it, because we’re building a better world for all!
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As we continue our Truth Telling series, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to a graduate of our three-year Family Literacy Program, Mary. After years of perseverance, she recently obtained her U.S. residency status (citizenship being a separate process). With this new chapter, she was eager to begin working and is now employed at a local elementary school.
One of the most meaningful moments for our team has been seeing her walk by in her school uniform, proudly sharing that it is the very same elementary school her children once attended. During a recent visit back to South Central LAMP, she shared that now she understood why we had so many rules and policies for the children's program. It was a full-circle moment, one that spoke volumes about her growth, confidence, and pride in her work.
Her joy and dedication are evident, and it is clear that she truly enjoys what she does! We invited her to share her journey through a brief Q&A, and she generously agreed.
We are honored to help amplify her voice, and that of many other immigrants, and to celebrate her accomplishments.
With gratitude,
Diana Z. Pinto
Executive Director
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Truth Telling Q&A with Mary | |
How long have you lived in the US? I have lived in the USA for 17 years.
What age were you when you came to the US? I was 27 years old.
How long did the process of getting your residential card take? About 36 months. The initial method to enter in the process of requesting legal documentation can take up to one year, and you can receive approval or denial within that time. The next process is to collect all the evidence required by Immigration and to submit the documentation. If the submitted paperwork is accepted, then you get the work permit and later on, your Green Card.
How much did the entire process cost? Including leaving to Mexico to interview there? Approximate $12,000. I had to stay one entire week in Tijuana, Mexico, to complete the required doctor’s exams, fingerprints, and later on the appointment in the U.S. Immigration Office in Mexico.
Why did you wait to start the process? Because the immigration laws were changing constantly.
What was the hardest part of the process? I think the most difficult part of the process was obtaining the fingerprints in Mexico.
How many letters of reference did you need to obtain? I was asked to provide 20 letters of recommendation, but I took only 15 letters with me. Most of the letters were from U.S. citizens.
What did you learn through the experience of this process (obtaining the residential card)? I learned that what you want can be very difficult but not impossible.
Any tips for anyone trying to obtain their residential card? Do not lose faith or hope.
What do you think people who don’t need to go through this process should know? Family Separation – People who do not need to go through the immigration legalization process do not experience situations like family separation. We come to this country seeking growth and opportunities for our families, such as providing them with the better education that I never had.
We come to learn the language, adapt to the lifestyle and rules, and work hard to improve ourselves. We arrive to do the difficult jobs that those born here, or those with legal documents, often do not want to do. We do not come to steal. Many of these jobs are done in the rain or the sun. Having to leave our children behind is yet another form of family separation that happens day after day, and it is very stressful. It is also very sad that our own compatriots back in our home countries do not understand the sacrifices we make here in order to send them money and help them as well. Those who are privileged and do not have to go through a legalization process often do not appreciate or value the time they have with their families, and do not make the same sacrifices that we are forced to make.
What aspects of the process are we unaware of, and which are only known to those who have experienced it? Having to leave the country without the certainty of being able to return, and the uncertainty of what will happen to your family if your legalization process is not approved.
| | Adult Education Program Update | | |
The start of a new year brings hope, but it can also come with exhaustion, as we continue balancing family responsibilities, work, learning, and everything that is happening around us. Even in this tiredness, I remain inspired by the commitment and resilience of the families we serve.
Our Family Literacy Program, advocacy, early education, enrichment programs, and partnerships continue to be rooted in community, growth, and mutual support. Every class attended, every goal set, and every conversation held is a meaningful step forward. Progress doesn’t always look fast or flashy, sometimes it looks like showing up, staying connected, and giving yourself grace. Our programs exist not only to educate, but to uplift, empower, and remind us that we are not doing this alone.
Jessie Hernandez
Adult Education and Programs Manager
| | Early Childhood Education Program Update | | |
During the month of January, children across all classrooms focused on learning about signs and their meanings as part of their social and early literacy development. In the preschool classroom in PCILA, children began the Second Step curriculum with the Welcoming unit, where they are learning to recognize signs and understand what they communicate. In the pre-preschool classroom, the monthly focus is on exposure to traffic signs and signs found throughout the classroom and school, helping children develop awareness and comprehension of visual cues. During PCILA, families focused on Second Step Unit 1: Listening, emphasizing the importance of listening to others to show respect and strengthen communication. In the infant classroom, children learned about signs alongside activities honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and others, engaging in friendly greetings, welcoming new classmates, and gaining positive exposure to books and images that support early literacy development.
Ilce Moreno
ECE Site Supervisor and EXPL Coordinator
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During the dinner, we will honor:
The Society of the Holy Child Jesus
with the Distinguished Service Award
and
Mayfield Senior School
with the Outstanding Community Partner Award
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Sponsorship Opportunities Are Still Available!
As we continue to prepare for this celebration, we hope you will consider partnering with us as an event sponsor. Your sponsorship will play a vital role in the success of the Empowerment Awards and in sustaining our work with families in South Central Los Angeles. Click below to download our sponsorship form which outlines various levels.
Sponsorship Forms are due by Monday, February 9, 2026.
| If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact, Nicole Cosand Burcham, Development Director, at nburcham@southcentrallamp.org or 323-234-1471 ext. 101. She would be happy to chat with you about our sponsorship opportunities and any questions you may have. | | |
Our Mailing Address
When mailing to South Central LAMP,
please address your letter to:
South Central LAMP
P.O. Box 11336
Los Angeles, CA 90011
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Stay Connected with South Central LAMP!
For more information on ways to support South Central LAMP, please contact our
Development Director, Nicole Burcham, at nburcham@southcentrallamp.org,
visit our website, and follow us on social media to learn more about our programs.
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