Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

San Fernando Region

Guadalupe Community Center in Canoga Park entered the last phase of remodeling and expansion after the completion of improvements to the main building and the creation of a sports complex, with fields for basketball and soccer.

• Guadalupe Community Center in Canoga Park is the only community center for low-income people in its area. During recent extensive renovations, a Sports and Recreation complex was completed. New offices and classrooms will be added in a building scheduled for completion in 2005.

• Last year, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantries fed the largest number of people in the program’s history. The Pantries in Canoga Park, Glendale and Van Nuys provided help to about 13,400 people. Many of them returned to receive bags of food several times a year, bringing the total number of services in these three pantries to over 47,000.

• For the second year, the OASIS program for older adults at Guadalupe Center sponsored weekly club meetings for about 30 local seniors, and case management for 70 more. The program helps seniors stay at home for as long as possible by providing them with a broad range of social services, at no charge.

• Since December 1989, the Lancaster Community Shelter has served homeless men, women, and families in the Antelope Valley as the only facility of its kind. In response to a recent increase in demand for services, the Shelter added 11 bunk beds. The Shelter’s Board, local Rotary Club and business leaders provided funding for this expansion. Last year, the Shelter helped 787 homeless persons, including 577 single adults and 49 families with 161 children.

• The Temporary Skilled Workers Center in Glendale, adjacent to Home Depot, affords the day laborers the opportunity to seek work with dignity in a structured and orderly setting, seven days a week. Last year, 272 day laborers sought through the Center.

Children who attend after-school tutoring at Guadalupe Center may play soccer before and after their classes. Such recreational activities are an important factor in improving their health and academic performance.

Over 100 elderly persons use services of the OASIS program at Guadalupe Center where they can meet and befriend their peers, in addition to receiving various forms of financial and personal assistance.

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, in Canoga Park, features an assortment of fresh bread and baked goods in addition to non-perishable items. Seniors often have to choose between buying food or medicine; assistance from the agency is invaluable for their well-being.


*“I was on the street and was skeptical that it would work. It has not only been successful but has doubled my income and made a big difference in my life.”* [client of the Temporary Skilled Workers Center]

The thrift store at the Guadalupe Center is staffed entirely by volunteers. Its customers may also receive services from other programs at the Center.

San Fernando Region offers tutoring for schoolage children at both Glendale Community Center and Guadalupe Center. Most tutors work part-time while completing their degrees in education or social work.

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