Coordinating Council Shares Community Updates, Welcomes New Leadership, and Looks Ahead to a Busy Fall
The La Mirada Coordinating Council met on Thursday, July 23, bringing together representatives from nonprofits, schools, service organizations, faith communities, businesses, and local government for another productive afternoon focused on strengthening connections throughout the city.
Founded to encourage collaboration among organizations serving La Mirada, the Coordinating Council continues to grow as a valuable forum where members exchange ideas, share upcoming events, and identify opportunities to work together for the benefit of the community.
Inspired by a Proven Model
This month’s featured speaker was Michael Calvert, President of the Downey Chamber of Commerce and a longtime leader of the Downey Coordinating Council. His organization served as one of the inspirations for establishing the La Mirada Coordinating Council.
Calvert shared the history of the Downey Coordinating Council, discussing how collaboration among community organizations has strengthened Downey for decades. He emphasized the importance of relationship-building, communication, and maintaining a shared vision of service, and lessons that resonated with those in attendance.
New Leadership
The Council also officially welcomed Nicole Ojisacoba of La Mirada High School as its new Secretary. Her addition to the leadership team reflects the Council’s continued commitment to involving educators and community leaders in its mission.
Community Updates
Representatives from numerous organizations shared news about upcoming programs and initiatives:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflected on another successful Fourth of July Community Breakfast.
- Arts Colony of La Mirada announced its next artist demonstration on September 14.
- La Mirada Community Foundation celebrated another successful fireworks fundraising season and announced the return of its popular Investment and Estate Planning classes beginning September 3.
- Kiwanis Club of La Mirada outlined several upcoming service projects, including the Hahn Haul Fishing Derby Pancake Breakfast, backpack distribution efforts, staff appreciation activities, and participation in Love La Mirada’s Day of Service.
- Straight Talk Counseling welcomed five new graduate therapists from Cal State Fullerton, announced its ongoing Grief and Loss Support Group, and invited residents to a free workshop titled Navigating the Ups and Downs of Life on August 4.
- Relay For Life encouraged community participation in its annual Harvest of Hope event on October 3 supporting cancer research and patient services.
- Friends of the La Mirada Library announced its Fall Book Sale, featuring a members-only preview on October 2 followed by the public sale on October 3, including the popular $4 Bag Sale.
- The La Mirada Chamber of Commerce reminded attendees that registration and sponsorship opportunities remain available for its October 19 Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Domestic Violence Abuse Protection (DVAP).
- The Olive Grove Newspaper continues seeking nominations for its Strength at Every Age feature series, highlighting inspiring local residents making a difference in the community.
- City of La Mirada staff shared updates on the recent City Council reorganization, Concerts in the Park, Stroll in the Park, and National Night Out.
- PTA Council discussed upcoming community service projects and encouraged continued family involvement throughout the school year.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post promoted its upcoming Steak Dinner, Commander’s Breakfast, future Bingo Nights, monthly Auxiliary dinners, and scholarship opportunities through the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy programs.
- Love La Mirada continues planning its Annual Day of Service on October 17 and is actively recruiting volunteers, project leaders, sponsors, and nominations for residents in need.
Better Together
One of the greatest strengths of the La Mirada Coordinating Council is its ability to bring organizations together that might not otherwise have the opportunity to collaborate. Each meeting reinforces the idea that while every organization has its own mission, they all share the common goal of improving the quality of life for La Mirada residents.
Whether serving meals, supporting veterans, promoting the arts, encouraging literacy, mentoring students, or organizing volunteer projects, each group contributes to the fabric of the community.
As La Mirada continues to grow, so too does the Coordinating Council’s role in fostering communication, partnerships, and cooperation among those dedicated to serving the city.
Organizations interested in participating in the La Mirada Coordinating Council are encouraged to attend a future meeting and become part of this growing network of community partners working together to make La Mirada an even better place to live, work, and serve.
Presented as a program of the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce, the La Mirada Coordinating Council serves as a collaborative hub where local organizations unite to share resources, build partnerships, and improve the quality of life for everyone in La Mirada.
By Michelle Lynch
