Nourishing Our Community
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It is well understood that hunger and health are deeply connected but for children, food insecurity is especially detrimental. Studies have shown that not having enough food and adequate nutrition can result in delayed development, increased risk of having a chronic illness, behavioral problems, and lower academic achievements. A child who is hungry often misses school because of illness, is unable to concentrate while in class or may have developmental disabilities related to inadequate nutrition.
To address this problem, a group of mothers formally enrolled in our Family Literacy program joined other mothers in the community to form Madres al Servicio de la Comunidad (Mothers in Service to the Community). The group began holding food drives and bi-weekly free food distribution events at Venice Hope Park, located across the street from Hope Street Margolis Family Center. Their work inspired a new partnership with LA Regional Food Bank, which brought its mobile food pantry to Hope Street’s Early Childhood Center at Angelica Lutheran Church on November 23. Over 300 families from our community received fresh fruits and vegetables along with other pantry items. We hope to partner with LA Regional Food Bank to bring additional food distribution events to our community in the near future.
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AEG's Season of Giving
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Hope Street families were graciously invited to AEG’s 8th annual Thanksgiving celebration at The Novo at LA Live. AEG hosted more than 1,200 residents of the Pico-Union community in downtown Los Angeles, including 300 U.S. military veterans and their families. Nearly 250 Hope Street guests were treated to a full course Thanksgiving meal catered by Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, live entertainment and arts and crafts. The meal was served by AEG employees who gave up their own holiday to spend Thanksgiving Day giving back to the community. AEG is a steadfast supporter of Hope Street and we are grateful for all of their contributions this holiday season and throughout the year!
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| The Molina Family |
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| The Acosta Family |
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Go Chargers!
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Edwin Jimenez, Meri Jimenez, Jocelyn Reynaga, and Haniha Jimenez
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Genesis Marques with her mother, Goretti Valle; Sherley Perez and Khyrsten Marquez
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This fall, our After-school program students were thrilled to receive a pack of season tickets for the LA Chargers generously donated by Desmond King II. Desmond is a defensive back for the LA Chargers and has already had an amazing career. He was an All-America cornerback for the Iowa Hawkeyes and won the 2015 Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. In addition to his professional football achievements, he also earned his college degree in only three and a half years and has written a children’s book with his mother, Yvette Powell. The book, “I May Be Little But I Play Big”, aims to inspire children to make their dreams come true, no matter the obstacles. At Hope Street, our staff delivers this same message to our students each and every day.
We are grateful to Desmond King II for giving our kids an opportunity to see the LA Chargers. They had a great time! |
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Guanhua Nie, Vickie Kropenske, Keara Pina and Ayely Grigsby (L to R)
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Aetna representatives present a check to Vickie Kropenske, as she delivers a thank you gift
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| A big welcome to our UCLA Luskin Senior Fellows |
Thank you Aetna |
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Hope Street has been selected to host two new Senior Fellows from UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs. This prestigious program pairs Luskin students with policy, public service and community leaders who have successfully addressed major public issues. Hope Street director Vickie Kropenske will serve as a mentor and role model to Guanhua Nie and Ayely Grigsby, first-year Master of Social Work (MSW) students, throughout the school year. We are also pleased that our current Senior Fellow, Keara Pina, will stay on to offer guidance and support. Keara, a second-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) student, is conducting Hope Street’s Community Needs Assessment.
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Hope Street after-school youth, parents and staff celebrated winning the $20,000 grand prize in the Aetna Voices of Health competition with a check presentation and a Thanksgiving feast on November 27.
Aetna representatives Clementé Gonzalez, Rasheedah Farr and Kimberly Pierce presented Hope Street director, Vickie Kropenske with a symbolic check for winning this prestigious award. Hope Street youth also crafted a beautiful card to thank Aetna for its support of Hope Street over the years and for “helping them grow”.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Champions for Children Luncheon
February 21, 2020
Jonathan Club
Downtown Los Angeles
11 am – 1:30 pm
Hope Street’s 2020 Champions for Children luncheon will honor Sharon and Hal Lampert and Richard Oxford for their steadfast support of Hope Street. All funds raised directly support Hope Street’s education, health, and wellness programs. This event sells out every year so be sure to confirm your table sponsorships, individual tickets and tribute journal ads soon.
Click here to view the electronic invitation>>>
or contact Rachel Zupa at
(213) 742-6475 or rachel.zupa@dignityhealth.org
for more information.
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Happy New Year!
May your year be filled with as much generosity as you have extended to us. |
Hope Street Margolis Family
1401 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90015 |
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