Another productive La Mirada Coordinating Council meeting brought together local nonprofits, service organizations, community leaders and city representatives to share updates, exchange resources and find new ways to support the community.
One familiar face was missing from the table this month, but for a wonderful reason. Pastor David Newman of Neighborhood Life Church was busy with a much more important meeting: spending time with his brand-new baby girl. The Coordinating Council congratulates Pastor David and his family and looks forward to meeting their newest addition. The Council also extends its continued appreciation to Neighborhood Life Church for generously providing a welcoming place for the group to meet each month.
The meeting also welcomed several new faces, including former La Mirada Mayor Steve Jones, now representing the Veterans Coordinating Council; Jose Gomez with Interfaith Food Center; and Dottie Montoya Romero with the VFW Auxiliary.
Their participation adds even more experience and community connections to a group built around a simple idea: when local organizations know what others are doing, everyone is better equipped to help La Mirada residents.
Around the Table
La Mirada Arts Colony announced a free art demonstration scheduled for September 14 at 6:30 p.m., continuing the organization’s efforts to make the arts accessible to the community.
Local Scouting organizations are actively recruiting new scouts, including an outreach event at Eastwood Elementary on September 9. Scouts will also be selling popcorn throughout the community through October.
Interfaith Food Center reported that it is currently serving approximately 1,400 families each week. With the continuing demand for food assistance, volunteers are needed to help support the organization’s work.
Veterans Coordinating Council meetings resume next month as members begin preparations for La Mirada’s annual Veterans Day program.
Kiwanis Club is putting proceeds from its fireworks booth directly back into local classrooms, investing $8,000 through teacher grants. Teachers at Eastwood and Dulles elementary schools were among those receiving grants this week.
Meals on Wheels is preparing for its annual volunteer appreciation barbecue and will also participate in Relay for Life on October 3.
Straight Talk Counseling is expanding its community support programs with new groups, including a men’s mental health group beginning September 2 and a postpartum support group for new mothers.
VFW Auxiliary is beginning its upcoming fundraising efforts with Plant Bingo this Saturday at noon at the VFW.
Love La Mirada is already preparing for its Annual Day of Service on October 17. Project leaders and volunteers will be needed, with registration information coming soon.
Helpline Youth Counseling continues working to connect local residents with rental assistance and other supportive resources available to families and individuals in need.
The City of La Mirada has a busy fall ahead. Upcoming activities include a Community Health Fair on September 16, a free Pet Wellness Event on September 27, and a mulch, paper shredding and e-waste event on October 19.
September is National Preparedness Month, and residents can also watch for emergency preparedness information and resources from the city throughout the month.
And for anyone wondering — yes, Splash! is still open for those looking for a way to cool down during the late-summer heat.
Much of the work that strengthens a community happens quietly. It happens when volunteers deliver a meal, when a teacher receives a classroom grant, when a family finds food assistance, when a veteran is remembered, when a young person finds a place to belong, or when one organization learns about a resource that can help someone who walks through its doors.
That is what the La Mirada Coordinating Council is about.
Each month, organizations come together not simply to talk about what they are doing, but to listen to what others are doing and discover where they can help one another. The Council is grateful to every organization and community representative who comes to the table, shares information and helps strengthen the connections that make La Mirada a community.
Because sometimes the most important thing a community organization can know is simply: “Who can help?”
And around the La Mirada Coordinating Council table, chances are someone knows the answer.
By The La Mirada Coordinating Council
