Urban Needs Task Force Visit "Para Los Ninos"
The Para Los Ninos ("For the Children") charter school, located in downtown Los Angeles played host recently to a group of Rotarians. The visiting Rotarians presented school supplies which were donated and collected by Rotarians throughout the District. The collection of school supplies is one of four target campaigns the Urban Needs Task Force conducts throughout the Rotary year.
The collection campaigns coincide wit hthe quarterly District Breakfasts, where the donated items are collected. The photo shows PDG Rick Mendoza and Joe Vasquez, Chair for the Urban Needs Task Force, with a group of classroom students. In addition to the supplies presented, 25 backpacks filled with assorted items were given to the students of a classroom selected by the school staff.
In October 1979, the Los Angeles Times published an article that galvanized a community. It was the first of many to spotlight the plight of children and families living in the depths of despair in Los Angeles' inner cities. It spoke of children living in Skid Row, locked in hotel rooms or left alone to wander dangerous neighborhood streets. At the time, little attention was paid to these forgotten children. Few services and safe havens existed for these young boys and girls. Ninety percent did not attend school.
Within a year of the Times' article being published, Para Los Ninos, a non-profit family service organization, was formed. A former false eyelash factory opened its doors to 45 children. Since then, Para Los Ninos has grown to serve more than 5,000 families each year at 26 sites throughout Pico-Union, Central, East, West and South Los Angeles, South El Monte, and Ontario. Every week, more than 3,500 children and youth, ranging from 6 weeks to 21 years of age, receive educational opportunities and much-needed family support.
Clubs are encouraged to contact Para Los Ninos to arrange visits to any of their sites for Rotarians and guests. Staff from Para Los Ninos can also be contacted to speak at clubs throughout the District. Their website can be found at www.paralosninos.org