Dear South Central LAMP Community,

Like many of you, we've been living in a haze of disbelief since the election and are feeling anxious at what a Trump administration will look like for the next four years. It's a very valid feeling, this fear of the unknown.

But the more I think about it, the more I realize this time around we do know what to expect from an administration that has no fear of excluding and harming communities that do not fit within their fallacy of what America should be. More importantly, we also know that during the last Trump administration, our marginalized communities showed up for each other.

We found ways to support each other in various ways. We prayed for our marginalized communities, we volunteered and partnered with these communities, and we donated to these communities, all to remind ourselves that we have more sovereignty over what happens in our community than the administration would have us believe.

That said, in 2025, we’ll be partnering with various organizations, including our local government and police department, to help the families we serve, and all families in our community, t0 understand ways to take their power back. Having a fearful community only serves those that seek to have people living in fear.

Our partners will provide information about what ICE can and cannot do, how to prepare your family for possible separation, preparing a packet with all documents needed in case of separation, and many more important topics to ensure the community is ready for anything. Tough conversations to have, but sadly necessary. These workshops allow the families to have a plan, that while not their first choice, it is a plan that gives them some autonomy over their circumstances.

I have often said that there are many light workers among us. It is during these times of turbulence when they are most needed. Spreading love, light, and their beautiful energy make the world a better place for all.

I refuse to give my powerful energy to those people and their opinions of those they chose to marginalize. Instead, I would rather spend my time doing the work of a light worker. It’s always been my purpose in life, and through South Central LAMP, many of us have had the opportunity to fulfill our purpose to bring light to our world. As Nelson Mandela said, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” Let’s focus on what we can do and not what we can’t do, there is so much power in that act of resistance.

In solidarity,

Diana Z. Pinto

Executive Director

Adult Education Program Update

The Adult Education Department is gearing up for the holiday season! We appreciate the generous support of our partners, as we distributed bags of groceries to the families in our Family Literacy Program and our dedicated St. Francis Volunteer Program volunteers.

In addition, our Family Advocate has successfully completed all home visits for the Family Literacy Program. She has collaborated with the mothers to establish meaningful goals, setting the foundation for a year of growth and achievement.

We are grateful for our community’s support as we continue to empower families through education and advocacy during this season of giving!

Jessie Hernandez

Adult Education and Programs Manager

Early Childhood Education Program Update

We are so thankful for all our children, families, and teachers here at South Central LAMP. We kicked off the week of Thanksgiving with a Spirit Week and a Friendsgiving where the mothers and their children had bonding time during a Thanksgiving lunch! Our EXPL program is also having a Thanksgiving get-together with their families!

In the classrooms, the children are being exposed to the scientific method, by observing the decomposition of pumpkins and learning how to grow potatoes. They are also practicing for our annual holiday celebration, where they will all perform a song!

Samira Alvarez

Children's Education and Programs Manager

We're over half way there having raised over $7,000! It's not too late to participate in our Season of Giving $10K Matching Gift Challenge!

This incredible initiative doubles the impact of your donations because of the generosity of an anonymous donor. Every gift made will be matched, dollar-for-dollar: $100 becomes $200, $500 becomes $1,000, and more, directly supporting the families of South Central Los Angeles.

The women and children South Central LAMP serve face numerous obstacles, including language barriers and limited access to essential services. Your support helps us provide these vital resources such as Early and Adult Education programs, parental workshops, family advocacy, a weekly food pantry, and health care support - empowering families to build resilience and self-sufficiency.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. **Donate Today**: All gifts made between November 1 and #GivingTuesday, December 3 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000!

2. **Spread the Word**: Share this opportunity with friends, family and colleagues to help us reach our goal!

To make your gift, please click HERE or send a check to:

South Central LAMP

P.O. Box 11336

Los Angeles, CA 90011

Thank you for being a essential part of our community, and for believing in the potential of the families we serve. Together, we can continue to create lasting change for women and children in South Los Angeles.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and meaningful Season of Giving!

Double your Donation to South Central LAMP Today!

Our Thanksgiving Food Drive was a Big Success!

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Notre Dame Academy, Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High School, Loyola Marymount University's and Mayfield Junior School's faculty and staff for donating an abundance of food, and Mary Ann, Claudia, and Xia for helping sort and package the grocery bags! We also truly grateful to Northgate Gonzalez Market for donating food vouchers for our families.

With your help, we were able to provide a bountiful Thanksgiving for 90 families in, and affiliated with, our program! We are blessed by your partnership!