Celebrating Another Fantastic School Year!
From Graduations to Camp LAMP - June has been a busy month at
South Central LAMP!
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As our Mother's Spread their Wings
“How does one become a butterfly?" she asked pensively. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar."
- Trina Paulus
I shared this quote with the mothers during the leadership workshops I provided at the beginning of the school year. It’s such a great parallel to their journey. For many of the women we serve, South Central LAMP is the very first place they learn that they have a choice, of either staying a caterpillar or becoming a butterfly. Often, like the caterpillar, they face very difficult times in their transformation. Why? Because by the time the caterpillar ends its journey, it will no longer be a caterpillar, it will have morphed into a completely different species. It will look different; it will have different needs and contribute to their environment very differently. Just like the caterpillar must fight its way out of its cocoon or “norm,” many of the women who decide to move forward find themselves at odds with what they thought they knew and what they are learning.
The journey they embark on at South Central LAMP is much more than learning English and parenting skills. At SCLAMP they do something many people haven’t had the opportunity or even the courage to do, they look inward to become a butterfly. They look inward for themselves, and their children, so they can be better parents. If you’ve ever had to look inward, you know that it can be complicated. There are so many layers to our human development, so many external factors and sources that can turn a beautiful, charismatic happy child into a very fearful, insecure child. They must look within and see the areas that need healing, in order to be better parents and stop generational trauma.
Earlier this month we celebrated five women who did just that, at our Family Literacy Program graduation. These women did what few people do, they looked inward to be able to break out of their cocoon and not only free themselves but revamped many of their parenting skills. One of the most rewarding gifts for us at South Central LAMP is to witness the magic of their transformation into a butterfly.
- Diana Pinto, Executive Director
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2023 Family Literacy Program Graduation & Transition |
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The Family Literacy Program concluded another successful school year and the mothers in the program shared their appreciation for the opportunities and experiences provided by South Central LAMP and its teachers (see video below).
During the 2023 commencement ceremony, the graduates and transitioning students highlighted the positive impact of our English classes on their language skills, personal growth, and confidence. The supportive and nurturing environment played a significant role in their journey, providing guidance in parenting, education, and personal healing.
We celebrate the achievements and resilience of our students, and we were honored to be part of their transformative journey. Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to your self-improvement has been truly inspiring. Remember that your journey does not end here, but rather serves as a foundation for a future filled with limitless possibilities. We stand by your side, ready to support and cheer you on, as you continue to thrive and make a positive impact on your families and communities. Together we continue to build a community that empowers women and their families to reach their full potential, and we look forward to the bright futures that await each one of you.
- Jessie Hernandez, Adult Program Manager
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South Central LAMP has helped make me an unstoppable woman and to have goals for the future. - Nohelia Martinez, South Central LAMP graduate
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Class of 2023 Pre-K Graduation |
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With an Aloha theme and festive green caps and gowns, our five year old's graduated from South Central LAMP on Friday, June 7th! Big kudos to teachers Carla, Ilce and Dayanara for wonderful year, and we
wish all our graduates best of luck in kindergarten!
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Camp LAMP serves up a fun-filled and educational time! |
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When our program year ends in June, we kick-off the summer with Camp LAMP, a two-week session that includes activities for children and their mothers. Our theme this year was camping, and the families thoroughly enjoyed the experience. While the “forest” was missing, this exposure taught the mothers that many of the items needed for camping they already had at home. They also learned how easy it was to engage their children in this endeavor.
Over the two weeks, our families realized that during the summer months (or truly anytime), they can “go camping” at home and it creates an entirely unique environment for their family. One of the older kids thanked teacher Ilce for the experience, as she had never gone camping before. I believe we have a few future forest rangers in our midst!
Since we started Camp LAMP, our themes have changed from year to year, but one thing has not. Our desire to expose our families to new opportunities and experiences through this summer program. Thank you to the Friar's Charitable Foundation for being our partners in this very important venture!
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Teacher Maria shows a few of
our campers the waterfalls and turtles
at the Los Angeles Arboretum in Arcadia.
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One of our campers comes face to face with a dinosaur at The Natural History Museum! |
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On our last day, our families
enjoyed the SCLAMP "Water Park," complete with pools, water balloons, and super soakers!
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Our families loved the camping theme! They created "fire pits," waterfalls with running water, and even barbequed hot dogs and smores! |
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Save the Date for our 30th Anniversary Celebration on
Saturday, September 23rd!
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More information on how to become a sponsor, please contact our Development Director, Nicole Burcham, at nburcham@southcentrallamp.org or by calling 323-234-1471 ext. 101. |
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Support South Central LAMP on ShopRaise!
If you've read this far, we know you are passionate about South Central LAMP and the families we serve. Since the discontinuation of AmazonSmile earlier this year, we are proud to announce a partnership with ShopRaise, an innovative and simple way to turn your everyday shopping at over 1,000 retailers into support for our program.
ShopRaise is an easy way to make philanthropy part of your online purchases. From groceries and apparel to technology and travel, a percentage of almost everything you buy will support South Central LAMP! The best thing is the program is free, you do not pay anything extra for the items you buy, and you get access to all the best coupons and deals.
To get started, click the button below to join ShopRaise, then select South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project, Inc. You can also use the tools in the mobile app to share it with family and friends too!
With your help, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of women and children in South Central Los Angeles!
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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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