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Dear South Central LAMP Community,
Recently I had the privilege to visit Japan, and I was blown away by so many incredible sites, their modern technology, as well as their commitment to the well-being of their citizens and environment. While Japan had been modernizing and building their infrastructure, World War II caused a lot of destruction to their progress, setting the country back and often leaving them with no choice but to start over. Yet, looking at their country, the only reminders I saw of the destruction of WW II were the intentional reminders they placed around their nation.
Some of these reminders were the planting of the offsprings of a tree that was hit by the radiation caused by the atomic bomb. Then there is a Buddhist temple dedicated to peace, that has the names of all those that died at Japanese jurisdiction during the war. The temple even had soil from the cemeteries from all the countries of the soldiers killed by Japan. It was mind blowing and honestly a humbling experience. It also made me think of South Central LAMP.
Throughout our lifespan, we have had many goals. Like Japan, we too had to modernize and learn new ways to be more effective, while still ensuring our vision of serving families was at the forefront of every decision we made. Like Japan, we have had to make hard decisions and sacrifice today for tomorrow. Like Japan, we did not sway from our vision, often leaving us with limited options on funding.
Like Japan, South Central LAMP also has a commitment to the well-being of our community and our environment. Like the temples in Japan, we hope to bring peace and healing, not only to those we serve but through those we serve, through our mission and vision. Our mission to empower families is not just about the family, it’s about the entire community. Because, like Japan, we know that a healthy being leads to a healthy family, that leads to a healthier community, that leads to a healthier nation.
Will it be quick or easy? No, and especially not now, during these very turbulent times. Experiencing Japan, you can see what can be done when you have a common vision and work on that mission one day at a time. Before you know it, you will be looking back and realize how far we’ve come.
South Central LAMP has had many phases in its evolution and each phase has come with challenges and rewards. I hope you will join us on this next phase and together we can look back and see what we’ve contributed to South Central LAMP’s journey and those it serves. As for me, I want to lean into what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”
Diana Z. Pinto
Executive Director
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