March 2026 Newsletter

A Letter from our Executive Director

Dear South Central LAMP Community,

A few weeks ago, we held our Empowerment Awards honoring the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and Mayfield Senior School and I had the joy of reconnecting with those we had not seen in years. It was especially nice to spend time with the Holy Child sisters who are mostly on the East Coast.

The evening was a great reminder of how this agency started and how far it has come.

For me personally, it was a gift to be in a room filled with our founders. I had the opportunity to hear Sr. Mary Ann Buckley, SHCJ share a draft of the original vision statement (below) created by the eight orders of sisters so many years ago. As she read the vision statement, the room became quiet, and so many of us felt the power of love and purpose in those words. The sisters love for all people and dedication to justice everywhere made me feel so proud to be part of this cause and grateful too.

How many people walk around with only hate around them, in them, and in those they surround themselves with? It’s never ending. Instead, I have had the privilege to have met some incredible women and men in my journey to seek social justice for all. I have had the privilege of being in a room of people who have so much love for the world, and share it in their unique way. I live in a world with so much love, whether it’s those we serve, those I work with, advocates, funders, donors, or the sisters, love and justice are always at the forefront of our connection.

Thank you for all the love, prayers and kind words. Thank you for letting me be part of this cause with you. During these times, love really is what will get us through.

Diana Z. Pinto

Executive Director

"The only thing more powerful than hate is love." - Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, AKA Bad Bunny.

South Central LAMP - 1992 Vision Statement

"The mutual sharing of resources among groups who are seeking to respond to those most in need of justice in the greater LA Area. We want to 'partner' with those groups who promote human dignity, who are committed to systemic change and who have the energy to enable the voiceless to act for their own development and liberation. We desire to collaborate in a manner that respects the multicultural diversity and enhances an appreciation for difference among peoples."

The South Central LAMP Vision Statement was written by our eight founding congregations:

Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Sisters of the Holy Faith, Sisters of the Holy Family, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Sisters of Social Service, Sisters of St. Louis, and the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

Adult Education Program Update

March is a time for growth, and in our Family Literacy Program, we see it every day. Our students are building language skills while supporting one another, showing courage, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Our Family Literacy Program is about more than education; it’s about confidence, connection, and creating new opportunities for both parents and their children. We’re proud to be part of their journey, one step, one word at a time.

Jessie Hernandez

Adult Education and Programs Manager

Early Childhood Education Program Update

This month, our classroom was full of excitement as we explored the incredible world of insects. The children enjoyed discovering what insects are, where they live, and what they eat, while also learning about their fascinating life cycles and the important roles they play in our environment. Through fun, hands-on activities like nature walks, creating bug habitats, and observing a live bug in the classroom, the children became curious insect investigators. We also explored the different features of bugs, compared their similarities and differences, and created a class bar graph to determine which insect was the favorite among our students.

At the same time, we began PCILA Unit 3, which focused on helping mothers and children learn healthy ways to recognize, manage, and express their feelings. Our “I Love You” ritual for the month continued with Georgie Porgie, bringing connection and joy into our daily routine. Through songs, engaging activities, and visual aids, families learned strategies to practice these skills both at school and at home.

Our infants also engaged with the Creative Curriculum, with activities centered around insects and Easter. These experiences supported early learning and discovery while encouraging curiosity and interaction. In addition, our PCILA goal for the month was for parents and children to practice asking for what they need or want during skill-building activities, helping our youngest learners build confidence in expressing themselves in positive ways.

It was a month filled with discovery, learning, and many small but meaningful adventures.

Ilce Moreno

ECE Site Supervisor and EXPL Coordinator

EXPL After School Program Update

March was an exciting month in EXPL as students explored the fascinating world of insects! With the arrival of spring, it was the perfect time for students to learn about the tiny creatures that start appearing all around us.

Students discovered what makes insects unique, including one important fact: insects have six legs, which makes them different from spiders. This fun discovery sparked curiosity and led students to create their own bees and ladybugs.

Working together in small groups at their tables, EXPL students researched and shared information about the life cycle of a ladybug. Through teamwork and discussion, they learned how ladybugs grow and change over time.

To bring their learning to life, students created their very own ladybugs using construction paper, markers, scissors, and glue. The classroom was filled with creativity as students carefully designed bright, colorful ladybugs while learning new facts about these amazing insects. They had so much fun crafting and showing off their creations!

Later in the month, students used their imagination to design their own flying insects. While many students chose to create bees, others invented completely unique insects with their own special designs.

Ilce Moreno

ECE Site Supervisor and EXPL Coordinator

Thank you for making our

Empowerment Awards a huge success!

Thank you for making South Central LAMP’s 2026 Empowerment Awards such a joyful and inspiring celebration. Whether you joined us in person, supported the event as a sponsor or donor, or helped share our story, your presence and generosity made the night truly special.

Together, we celebrated the heart of South Central LAMP’s mission—uplifting women, children, and families in South Central Los Angeles. We were honored to recognize the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and Mayfield Senior School, whose partnership and dedication reflect the power of community working together for good.

One of the most exciting moments of the evening was our first ever paddle raise for educational field trips. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community—and a $10,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor—we raised over $23,000 to give the children and families of South Central LAMP an opportunity to explore places like Kidspace Children’s Museum and other inspiring educational spaces. These experiences open doors to curiosity, discovery, and memories that will last a lifetime for our families.

From all of us at South Central LAMP—thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with the families we serve.

With gratitude,

Dan Bir

Chair, Board of Trustees

South Central LAMP

Click Here to view pictures from the Empowerment Awards, read about the Honorees, and hear about our first ever paddle raise!