La Casa focuses on the needs of children and families, La Casa works primarily to help its disadvantaged culturally diverse neighbors in their efforts to overcome the barriers of limited education, underemployment, poverty, language, inadequate housing and lack of medical care.
By providing a welcoming environment and personal attention, we are able to assist community members of all ages with various needs. Our programs and services are designed to uplift our families, most of whom are working but unable to climb out of poverty. Our primarily focus is on early education, along with health and wellness issues. We believe that we must assist the parent but even more importantly give our preschool students a starting chance at a better life. Education is the great equalizer and many of our students who first learned English at La Casa are now successful professionals who now help others reach for their dreams.
Programs and services offered at La Casa include:
La Casa offers a bilingual early childhood education program designed to maximize children’s readiness for elementary school. The preschool provides a multicultural learning experience that includes breakfast, lunch, and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
At La Casa we believe that we can change lives, and we do. We are welcoming, nurturing, enriching and powerfully transforming “house” of learning. For generations, we have been welcoming students, regardless of culture, language, or ability to pay. Many of our students come to La Casa as non-English speakers and head off to kindergarten ready to succeed and thrive. At La Casa, we understand that there is a connection between early learning and success later in life. Many of our students return to give back to La Casa and help assist other families.
Program Overview:
La Casa offers basic assistance items for our families and community members in need. This includes food, clothing and household items. Donations are received year-round from individuals, groups and businesses. Referrals for assistance come primarily through word of mouth in the community and law enforcement or other agency referrals.
Food PantryOur food pantry is stocked by donations from local churches, charitable organizations and individual donations. We provide canned goods and non-perishable grocery items along with fresh fruit and vegetables when possible, as well as, household items to families and individuals in need.
ClothingLa Casa receives both new and modestly used clothing, shoes, and accessories. These items are available to our families and community members in need and have been very helpful especially during these recent trying economic times. We do occasionally hold yard sales to raise funds and clear through seasonal items but the majority of clothing goes directly to our families.
Other ItemsIn an effort to further assist our families, La Casa helps with the distribution of new and modestly used items such as car seats, strollers, small appliances, books and toys. These items are often taken for granted by many of us but make a big difference to our families that struggle to make ends meet.
As a community center, there are many groups that call La Casa home. Since La Casa is a community center, it offers a wide variety of services and programs. These programs and activities help tie us together as a community and build bonds across languages, cultures, ages, and abilities.
Ballet Folklorico Sol de Fuego
Ballet Folklorico Sol de Fuego calls La Casa home. They perform at all types of events from community events, collaborative workshops, and private parties. Ballet folklorico dance instruction is available to children and youth of all ages. The goal of the class is to provide a greater understanding and appreciation for Mexican culture and folklore through music, dance and traditional art forms.
Gabrielino/Tongva Tribal Council
La Casa is the headquarters for the Gabrielino/Tongva Tribal Council. Their service center acts as a gathering place for the tribe and offers support for its members.
Mariposa Alliance
La Casa provides office space for Mariposa Alliance. Their purpose is to provide essential services for low-income, foster youth and youth in the justice systems. They provide options & opportunities through career guidance programs, occupational skills training & financial workshops to empower our youth to learn skills and develop financial independence in their lives.
