MISSION PROJECT 2007
EASTMONT COMMUNITY CENTER
701 SOUTH HOEFNER AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CA 90022
(323) 726-7998 OFFICE (323) 726-9237 FAX
Contact Person: Theresa Palacios or Linda Andrade
Mission Statement: To involve residents, concerned persons, and interested organizations in planning, implementation, and support of services that expand social and economic opportunities in East Los Angeles and the surrounding communities
History: The Eastmont Community Center was established by the Disciples of Christ and the surrounding community. Since 1968, our center has provided social and educational services in East Los Angeles and surrounding communities. The services range from urgent assistance to families in crisis, to social activities for our Senior Citizens. The first Executive Director, Pastor Larry Hixon, recognized the need for a community center in the area. Over thirty-five years later, we continue to share his vision. With continued support of the Disciples of Christ and other funding sources, we hope to continue providing our services for all age groups regardless of race, religion or gender.
Current History:
According to acting director, Teresa Palacios, Eastmont Community Center is going through a transition period. She is currently holding two positions, Administrative Assistant and Executive Director in collaboration with the Board of Directors. She asks for your prayers for both herself and Eastmont as it works through its current growth and change period while continuing to service the community with it’s specialized programs.
The board has hired architect Bob Cantrell to assess the current building structures. A decision of whether to tear down and rebuild or remodel the existing structures needs to be made in the near future. The board also hired Harry Jacobs as a grant writer.
Eastmont Community Center has five staff members assisted by volunteers.
Funding and Fund Raising:
United Way – This year Eastmont must qualify for future funding. They are currently waiting to hear from United Way.
LA County DPSS: They receive funding on a month-to-month basis with a new application process in effect.
Annual Dinner and Silent Auction: This event is the largest fundraiser for Eastmont. The dinner is held during the middle of October with a donation of $35 to $40 a plate per person depending on the location chosen. Full tables of 8 to 10 are available. Tickets to sporting events and other items are needed for the silent auction. We will keep you updated on this event.
Light Bulbs: Eastmont is considering selling environmentally friendly light bulbs as a fundraiser. We could adopt this as a special one-time Sunday project in our churches just as we did the bake sale.
Volunteers Needed for Board Membership:
According to the bylaws, one third of the Board of Directors must be made up of Disciple of Christ members. There are 10 meetings a year, once a month on the 2nd Tuesday. There is no meeting in August or December. There is no monetary requirement. This is an important job that needs to be filled.
Wishing On A Star Requests:
1. A van or a bus
2. Four new computers and a printer to be used for the after school program.
3. Camp experience for the children during the summer. Can be a weekend or a few days. One possibility is a family camp weekend at Loch Leaven. Another possibility is a day camp experience at a local mountain retreat that has programs such as panning for “gold”. We could make this happen if each church sponsors a child. Children are ages 1st through 5th grade.
4. Printing services for programs and special events
Programs and Wish Lists:
ESL Classes: Currently there are about 35 adults in the ESL class.
Items needed:
35 Paperback Spanish/English Dictionaries.
Seniors: This is Teresa’s “baby”. She uses her lunch hour to teach approximately 45 seniors how to meditate, walk straight and exercise. She is convinced everyone can do some kind of exercise. Seniors are also provided lunches from Monday through Friday. Live music is provided twice per week. Free haircuts and manicures are available every Thursday. Occasionally, guest speakers are invited to present topics on issues relevant to senior life.
The seniors would like to start the Fit to be Tied Blankets and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. I have listed the items needed below.
Items needed:
Hand weights, one or two pounds each
Elastic Exercise Bands. (These look a bit like jump ropes with handles).
Bingo games.
Scissors
“Fit to be Tied” blankets. For each blanket we need two pieces of fleece the same size. The fabric can be baby blanket size or larger just so two pieces are the same size.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Medium weight yarn, (555 yards for knitting, 740 yards for crochet) or different colors that can be combined. Knitting needles size 11 or 13 and crochet hooks size ‘M’, ‘N’ or ‘P’ .
Tote bags (This request has been filled)
Academia del Pueblo: Brenda Andrade and Linda are in charge of this program. Students in grades 1 through 3 receive assistance in reading and writing skills. The instructors work in collaboration with the student’s teachers.
Items needed:
School and art supplies (pencils, crayons, erasers, markers, writing paper, construction paper, scissors)
Cobbler type aprons
English/Spanish dictionaries
English and Spanish library books
Math counting blocks
Educational games
Bingo
Children’s furniture such as bean bag chairs
Backpacks
Mats (outdoor/indoor, looks like giant puzzle pieces)
Large rubber balls for playground
Volunteers needed to assist with field trips
Children Grades 4th through 5th: The children in this age group attend during the summer only. Eastmont would like to offer these children a camp experience perhaps at Loc Leven.
Items needed:
Backpacks filled with toiletries such as soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, wash cloth, sun screen and small water bottle. The backpacks would be returned to Eastmont and recycled each year.
Educational games
Frisbees
Volunteers needed to assist with field trips
Wise Buy Thrift Store: Many of the seniors are involved in the thrift store, which is set up on the Eastmont lawn. The proceeds are used to help fund the feeding and assistance program.
Items needed:
Clean clothes
Feeding and Assistance Program: Eastmont helps 600 to 800 families each year by providing food and personal hygiene items.
The United Way has cut their funding by more than half for this program. Eastmont buys food from the regional food bank and local markets.
Items needed:
Non-perishable food items (canned and packaged goods)
Laundry and hand soap
Toiletries such as toothpaste, shaving cream and razors
Women’s personal hygiene items such as pads and tampons
Diapers
Monetary contributions
Summer Youth Employment (WIA): Eastmont sponsors a youth employment-training program during the summer. Students work as volunteers with the five members of the staff. Many students are from Montebello High School. No requests at this time.
Senior Employment Program (SER): Seniors are employed through this federally funded program for a two-year period. They are trained in maintenance, office work, ESL classes, kitchen help and after school programs. Theresa makes sure they help in the ESL classes to assist in their own education. No requests at this time.
Tax preparation and consultation: Available by appointment during the five week period before April 14th at no cost. No requests at this time.
At Risk Program: Involves 41 children that have been dismissed from school for bad behavior or other serious problems is currently operating in the morning and is dismissed at 1:30. This program is under evaluation and may be cut back. No requests at this time.