A Letter from our Executive Director |
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Last month, I had was invited to speak with a group of students from Louisville High School about the value of contributing to our world. As we see our world become more and more polarized by various events around the globe and in our own backyard, it gets harder and harder to see the light that each person emits to better our planet. It seems tougher to imagine that as an individual, we can make a difference. The noise just feels too loud sometimes.
On Saturday, South Central LAMP, along with more than 105 other nonprofits, participated in the LA Big 5K. It’s an event that allows many different agencies to fundraise for their cause. Last year they raised a little over $3 million dollars.
It’s a great event! People wake up super early (in my opinion) on a Saturday morning, and usually get to Dodger Stadium around 6:30 am. In a world where time is just as valuable as money, to see so many people participate to support their nonprofit feels almost spiritual. If you look closely, you can see everyone’s light just shining.
Also, let’s be honest. Giving really is better than receiving, especially when you give to a cause that is close to your heart. To me, this event is a great reminder that we are not alone in trying to be the change we wish to see in the world. That type of inspiration is needed in our world, because truly, I need it. I’m human, and I have hopes and dreams for our world, especially for those who have been excluded from mainstream America. Yet there are days I feel like I’m on the losing side.
Events like Saturday’s LA Big 5K refuel me. I am reminded there is a lot more of us than I realize. There are people passionately trying to be the change they wish to see in the world. We are among changemakers, and that energy is contagious. It is powerful enough to transform the lives of millions of people.
You and I, along with our team at South Central LAMP, are contributing to the millions receiving support. While our contribution may be a small percentage, maybe even a tiny percentage, we’re still contributing. This matters. It matters to the women and children we serve, and it matters to those served by the other organizations at the event. Being part of a collective contribution to better our world is powerful. All that from a 5K? Yes. Because inspiration really is a powerful energy that can affect change in the right direction.
Diana Z. Pinto
Executive Director
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Thank You to EVERYONE Who Supported
South Central LAMP in the LA Big 5K!
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Many thanks to all of our amazing partners and donors for supporting South Central LAMP's LA Big 5K Team. To date we have raised over $31,000 dollars through your generosity! Everyone who ran/walked the race had a fantastic time, and your support means the world to our families! |
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Adult Education Program Update |
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During the month of March, we have celebrated the incredible women of our Family Literacy Program, honoring their stories and journeys on International Women's Day. Sandra Gonzalez, author and founder of Skillful & Soulful Press, and Ingrid Estrada-Darley, co-founder of Black Girl, Brown Girl Books, led a discussion on the importance of representation in literature, particularly for immigrant mothers.
As our mothers listened to the authors, they felt a strong sense of belonging. Many felt inspired and seen. In addition to sharing their own experiences, the authors also welcomed questions from the mothers. The discussion further deepened their bonds and left them feeling motivated to continue their journey towards empowerment.
Our bi-weekly Kinship Support Group continues to thrive, offering family caregivers a supportive space every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, where they can connect, share experiences, and enjoy lunch together.
We honor these remarkable women and caregivers, as we foster a sense of belonging and empowerment within our South Central LAMP community.
Jessie Hernandez
Adult Education and Program Manager
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Early Education Program Update
Teacher Feature!
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This month, we are featuring one of our wonderful Early Childhood Education teachers, Carla Silva! Carla has been with South Central LAMP for nine years and is our lead teacher for our preschool classroom (ages 4-5). Being an educator for the past 28 years, she spoke on what ultimately brought her to work with children. “I am lucky to have had great teachers in my life. They influenced me to teach with my heart.”
Working with new classes every year, Carla said her favorite part is witnessing the children’s growth. She says, “I like to compare them to little butterflies. They start school as shy little caterpillars, and as the year progresses, they grow socially and emotionally into amazing butterflies. I love how they become more independent, capable, and eager to learn.” She also mentioned that one of her favorite things to do in the classroom is science activities, as she can see the wheels in the kids’ brains turning as they process new information.
We are so grateful for all the knowledge and warmth you bring to SCLAMP, Teacher Carla!
Samira Alvarez
Early Education and Program Manager
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Please Note: Our NEW Mailing Address
As of July 1, 2023, when mailing to the 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, or follow us on social media to learn more about our programs.
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