We were so honored to present the Distinguished Service Award to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus—one of our founding congregations whose mission and spirit are deeply aligned with the heart of South Central LAMP. Founded 180 years ago and serving in Los Angeles for the past 95 years, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus has long believed in the power of education to transform lives. Their commitment to “educate the whole child”—nurturing intellect, faith, compassion, and action—beautifully mirrors our own two-generation approach of supporting both mothers and their children together.
Since our founding in 1993, in response to the civil unrest in South Los Angeles, South Central LAMP the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus have stood alongside us because they understand that real and lasting change begins with access and opportunity. Their support has strengthened our ability to provide high-quality early childhood education, ESL classes for mothers, parenting education, afterschool enrichment, and essential wraparound services for families working toward stability and self-sufficiency.
The SHCJ’s partnership is so meaningful because of their presence, their prayer, their advocacy, and their unwavering belief in women and children—especially those who have historically been overlooked. The Sisters model what it truly means to put faith into action. They remind us that education is not simply about academics, but about empowering individuals to recognize their worth, find their voice, and realize their full potential.
Through their generosity and leadership, we have created spaces where mothers gain confidence in learning English, children discover a love of reading, and families begin to see new possibilities for their futures. Their mission calls for justice, compassion, and courage, all values reflected in the way they invest in community-based organizations like South Central LAMP. We celebrated not only their distinguished service, but their enduring commitment to walking alongside communities with humility and hope.
We were delighted to present the Outstanding Community Partner Award to Mayfield Senior School, whose mission and spirit so closely reflect the heart of South Central LAMP. For the past decade, Mayfield Senior School has stood alongside South Central LAMP in supporting our Holiday Toy Drive. Students, families, faculty, and staff come together to collect, organize, and deliver gifts in partnership with the women and children in our community—creating moments of joy, connection, and celebration during the holidays.
Their collaboration extends to our Thanksgiving Food Drive, helping families access the ingredients for a warm, meaningful meal. With guidance from Kristina Ortega, Mayfield’s Director of Justice & Service Learning, and through strong student leadership, Mayfield has helped hundreds of families share the holiday together. Students also lead initiatives for baby clothes, hygiene products, and books through the Social Justice and Page Turners Clubs, responding to real community needs with care and thoughtfulness.
Mayfield’s alum community contributes too—hosting winter coat drives, providing gift cards during COVID, creating auction baskets for our Person of the Year event, participating in our annual Toy Wrapping Party and Beautifying Days. Together, students and alums demonstrate that service is a shared journey, grounded in compassion, learning, and community.
Year after year, Mayfield shows up with consistency, energy, and heart, creating a network of support that uplifts families and strengthens community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership, generosity, and dedication to walking alongside South Central LAMP and the families we serve.
Their commitment reflects a deep understanding that service is not an occasional act, but a way of living out their mission and values.
