A Letter from our Executive Director | | |
Dear South Central LAMP Community,
June marks one year since ICE began targeting immigrant communities, particularly the Latine community.
June also marks a year of South Central LAMP and our community partners implementing additional support systems to help our families navigate these challenging times.
June marks a year of building new friendships, forging new alliances, and welcoming new supporters to our shared cause of social justice.
And June marks the end of an era of sorts. Sr. Cathy Garcia, RSHM, has retired from South Central LAMP after 19 years of dedicated service to this mission.
As we celebrated her contributions and lasting impact last week, we also had the opportunity to learn a little more about the birth of South Central LAMP. Sr. Cathy shared the reasons this organization was founded by the eight congregations of sisters: to serve a marginalized community where social justice was desperately needed. Today, given all that is happening in the world, that need is greater than ever.
Her words made me think more deeply about the work we do and about how long the struggle for social justice has existed in this community and so many others. It reminded me that the sisters, along with all those who came before us, have been planting the seeds of social justice for generations. And now, as our country and our world slowly awaken to the realities of the systems that determine who receives justice and equity and who does not—we are witnessing an expansion of the work they began so many years ago. Because once you see injustice, you cannot unsee it. Once you recognize inequity, it becomes increasingly difficult to disguise it with rhetoric or ignore the truth.
So, as we close out another school year—yet another milestone that June marks—I want to thank everyone who has been on this journey for social justice, not only here at South Central LAMP, but throughout the world. I want to thank those who came before us, who envisioned a better world long before we did. And I want to thank all those who continue to raise awareness, cultivate compassion, and bring light into the world.
Your efforts are moving us forward. It can be difficult to see at times, especially amid all the noise and uncertainty around us, but progress is happening. Every act of courage, every voice raised in solidarity, and every commitment to justice matters.
Together, we continue the work.
The Nobel Prize-winning poet, Rabindranath Tagore, wrote: "The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life."
In gratitude,
Diana Z. Pinto
Executive Director
P.S. Diana was recently featured on the Small & Gutsy Podcast! Click below to listen to her episode.
| | Adult Education Program Update | | |
Our Family Literacy Program celebrated its three graduating students and one transitioning student, while also recognizing the students who will continue into the next program year. This year's graduating class represents a remarkable achievement and the culmination of three years of dedication, perseverance, and growth.
Over the course of their participation in the program, these three graduates collectively completed 191 hours of parenting education, 483 hours of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, 95 hours of Parent-Child Interactive Literacy Activities (PILA), and 612.5 hours of Early Childhood Education programming. Throughout their journey, participants strengthened their English language skills, expanded their parenting knowledge, and gained the confidence to pursue new opportunities for themselves and their families.
For some, this growth inspired them to enroll in college and pursue educational goals that once felt out of reach. Others developed greater resilience, personal responsibility, and self-confidence, enabling them to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities.
Across every story, participants shared a common experience: meaningful friendships, unwavering support from staff, and a renewed belief in their ability to achieve their goals. As they move forward, they carry with them stronger skills, empowered voices, and the confidence to create brighter futures for themselves, their children, and their communities. The success of these graduates serves as an inspiration to the returning students who will continue their own educational journeys in the coming program year.
Jessie Hernandez
Adult Education and Programs Manager
A few quotes from the women in our program:
"I am grateful to South Central LAMP because it has empowered me to be strong, responsible, brave and joyful." — Marisela
"South Central LAMP helped me transform into a powerful woman by giving me the tools and confidence to expand my vision and pursue my education." — Rosa
"South Central LAMP has helped me to become a strong, brave, and self-confident woman and not to fear new challenges." — Karen
| | Early Childhood Education Program Update | | |
This month, our classrooms focused on growth and transition as we prepared students for their next exciting steps.
In the infant classroom, our focus was “Saying Goodbye and Transitioning” through activities that supported social-emotional development that helped children feel comfortable with new experiences. We were incredibly proud of all the progress our children made this year!
In the toddler classroom, we discussed what it means to transition to a new classroom, meet new teachers, and adjust to different routines while encouraging children to share their thoughts and feelings about change.
In preschool, children reviewed curriculum concepts, learned about kindergarten, practiced songs, and prepared for graduation. When we surveyed our pre-K students on what they wanted to be when they grow up; four students want to be doctors, another four want to be police officers, three would like to be teachers, two - firefighters, another two - princesses, as well as a chef, a dragon and a Star Wars Jedi! We wish all our graduates the best as they head off to kindergarten!
Samira Alvarez
Children's Education and Programs Manager
and
Ilce Moreno
ECE Site Supervisor and EXPL Coordinator
| EXPL After School Program Update | |
For the month of June, our EXPL students participated in a fun and creative Father's Day activity. They used tissue paper to create an "I Love You to Pieces" worksheet, expressing how much they love and appreciate their dads.
We ended the semester on a high note and celebrated all the hard work and accomplishments of our EXPL students with a fun-filled pizza party. They enjoyed delicious food and snacks while watching a movie together.
We are proud of everything our students achieved this semester and wish them a wonderful summer break.
Maria Solorzano
EXPL Lead Teacher
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Camp LAMP - Under the Sea! | |
Camp LAMP was such an amazing week! Our Sea Animals theme brought lots of fun, learning, and adventure.
On Monday, the children created edible fish bowls using graham crackers, frosting, food coloring, and Goldfish crackers.🐠 Tuesday was filled with excitement as we enjoyed a fun Bubble Mania show. On Wednesday, the Aquarium Van visited camp, giving the children the opportunity to see and touch different sea animals. 🌊 Thursday was extra fun with water play and an outdoors picnic.💦 We wrapped up the week on Friday with a special field trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific, where the children explored amazing marine life.
Thank you to the Friars Charitable Foundation for making Camp LAMP a wonderful week of ocean adventures and unforgettable memories!🐟
| Celebrating Sr. Cathy's Retirement after 19 Years! | |
South Central LAMP celebrated Sister Cathy Garcia, RSHM’s 19 years of extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. Throughout her time with LAMP, Sister Cathy has been a guiding force in not only teaching English but empowering women, strengthening families, and advancing a vision of education rooted in dignity, justice, and opportunity. Her unwavering commitment and compassionate leadership have left a lasting imprint on our community and on the many lives she has touched. While we honor this transition into a new chapter for her, her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the work of South Central LAMP for years to come.
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Introducing the She Se Puede Scholarship Fund
Honoring the Legacy of Sr. Cathy Garcia, RSHM
At South Central LAMP, we believe that education has the power to transform lives, strengthen families, and create brighter futures for generations to come. As we celebrate the incredible legacy of Sr. Cathy Garcia, RSHM, we are proud to introduce the She Se Puede Scholarship Fund — a scholarship created in her honor to continue the work she so passionately championed for nearly two decades.
As ESL Coordinator and Teacher within South Central LAMP’s Family Literacy Program, Sr. Cathy dedicated herself to empowering women through education, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their potential. She embodied the spirit of “She Se Puede” — She Can Do It — instilling confidence, resilience, and the belief that every mother has the power to succeed and create new opportunities for herself and her family.
The She Se Puede Scholarship Fund was created to carry forward Sr. Cathy’s extraordinary legacy by investing in graduating mothers who have demonstrated perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to continuing their educational journey beyond South Central LAMP. The scholarship is designed to help remove financial barriers and support women as they take the next step toward adult school, college, vocational training, or other educational pathways that will help them build long-term stability for themselves and their families.
Each year, three graduating mothers from our Family Literacy Program will be selected to receive scholarship awards of $300, $200, and $100, which can be used toward tuition, books, or other school-related expenses. Eligible participants must successfully complete all three years of the Family Literacy Program, maintain strong attendance, and demonstrate a commitment to continuing their education after graduation.
This scholarship represents more than financial support — it is an investment in women who are breaking cycles of poverty, pursuing new possibilities, and modeling the power of perseverance for their children and future generations.
Through the She Se Puede Scholarship Fund, Sr. Cathy’s legacy of empowerment, education, and hope will continue to live on in every woman who dares to believe in her own potential and take the next step toward a brighter future.
Because of Sr. Cathy, generations of women now know: Sí Se Puede. She Se Puede.
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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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