January 22, 2019

Diana Pinto, Executive Director, South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (SC LAMP)

SC LAMP is a co-sponsored ministry of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

Paulo Coelho said, “the world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” The mothers at SC LAMP, who have been changed by the generosity of the Sisters, give life to Coelho’s statement. The Sisters inspired our SC LAMP mothers to help the women and children at the border.

While this is a controversial topic, our mothers see themselves in the women and children at the border and recognize that they, too, are in need of kindness and generosity. These mothers and children need people to show up for them.

With their limited income, our SC LAMP mothers decided to take up a collection to help families at the border. Together, they have collected diapers, wipes, and baby formula for the children and feminine products for the women.  We understand that when someone is struggling, showing up is the most important thing you can do.

Thanks to the great example the Sisters have shown to SC LAMP and the world — they inspire us to make a difference!

About South Central LAMP

In response to the civil unrest of 1992, the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus joined with seven congregations of Catholic Sisters to determine how to best support the devasted community in South Central Los Angeles. These religious communities canvassed the neighborhood and heard firsthand from mothers, who wanted to improve their language and parenting skills, as well as prepare their young children for the rigors of school.

For more than 25 years, South Central LAMP has worked to empower mothers, break the cycle of illiteracy, and lay the foundation for children to succeed in school and life. It is the only program in South Los Angeles that simultaneously serves both mothers and their children.