User:Fdjelmane/Proyecto Pastoral

Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission works in the economically and politically disenfranchised community of Boyle Heights to empower the community personally and socially by developing grassroots projects in education, leadership, and service. The organization was founded in 1986 by community residents and the California Province of Jesuits. It has grown into a highly effective community-based nonprofit. Proyecto Pastoral is committed to involving local community members in the planning, design and implementation of its programs. One third of the Proyecto Pastoral Board of Directors is comprised of local residents responding to community identified needs, enabling Proyecto Pastoral to make a significant impact in the lives of local families. Proyecto Pastoral serves over 2,500 children, youth and families through its five programs.

IMPACTO (Imaginando Mañana Pico-Aliso Community Team Outreach) is an after-school academic enrichment program for nearly 200 youth ages 5-18. IMPACTO provides development in literacy, leadership, art and computers skills. IMPACTO works with parents, teachers, and students to set and reach attainable educational goals and ensures student progress by evaluating grades and other indicators. Parents participate in classes that encourage them to make literacy a part of their daily family interaction.

Proyecto Pastoral’s Thrift Store, is a local retailer that provides jobs for residents, low cost gently used goods, and allows reformed gang members from Homeboy Industries to shop free of charge for interview appropriate attire. More than a retailer, this community hub acts as a resource for local residents who often can not afford to shop at more expensive stores.

Comunidad En Movimiento (Community in Action) is the leadership training and civic engagement arm of Proyecto Pastoral. It is also the primary vehicle through which Proyecto Pastoral increases and strengthens community resources. Through CEM, the community has created the Safe Passage program, which assists children to arrive safely home from school, and the Safety Project, which creates a network between local residents, public officials and law enforcement to increase community safety.

Proyecto Pastoral Early Childhood Education Centers provide low- and no-cost childcare and preschool services to close to 100 children ages 18 months through 5 years. Proyecto Pastoral operates two year-round centers, La Guarderia and the Centro de Alegria, and provides relevant and culturally sensitive educational curriculum to children from low-income Latino families in the neighborhood.

Guadalupe Homeless Project (GHP) provides 90-day emergency shelter to 650 men and meals to 900 men annually. Clients receive needed medical, case management, mental health services and workshops that build their capacity to transition into independent living. Clients actively contribute to a personal savings account and participate in classes like English as a Second Language, financial literacy and workshops to learn about labor and immigrant rights.