Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

A Quarterly Newsletter from Catholic Charities - May 2004

St. Margaret’s Center Director
Named “Woman of the Year”

As a result of her work within the Los Angeles airport-area community, Mary Agnes Erlandson, center, pictured with Ruth Jernigan, President of the L.A. County Commission for Women (left) and Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite-Burke (right), is considered a trusted role model, advocate and advisor.

Mary Agnes Erlandson, Director of St. Margaret’s Center in Lennox, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, was named a “Woman of the Year” by the L.A. County Commission for Women at their March 8th luncheon. Ms. Erlandson, who has been the Director since St. Margaret’s Center opened in 1987, was honored for her work to increase the access of low-income women, children and the homeless to public benefits, food, clothing, social services and education.

St. Margaret’s Center provides a comprehensive range of emergency and supportive services to approximately 14,000 unduplicated clients annually in the vicinity of the Los Angeles International Airport, primarily to Spanish-speaking families and homeless individuals who live in the cities or on the streets of Inglewood, Lennox, Hawthorne, Westchester and El Segundo. Since 9/11, the Center has experienced a 40% increase in clients. This growth is due to the loss of jobs or reduction in hours of work by individuals employed in airline and tourist-related industries.

During fiscal year 2002-2003, St. Margaret’s Center provided 70,000 units of service. Bi-lingual programs offered include: emergency food distribution, shelter vouchers and homeless supplies; information, referral and advocacy; rental assistance; medical services and health insurance application assistance; a telephone, fax and mailing address for homeless persons; immigration processing; English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and educational workshops; and a thrift store.

AYE Provides Teens Paid Internships
Through Community Partners

Ross provides internships to teens through AYE.

Thousands of teens have something extra to put on their resumes with the help of Archdiocesan Youth Employment (AYE), a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles.

AYE teams up with local employers and extends the opportunity for paid internships to thousands of teens. Since AYE was started in 1965, more than 50,000 teens have participated in its’ programs. With support from local, state and federal funding, and working in collaboration with local businesses and educational institutions, AYE aids teens in overcoming socio-economic barriers by gaining work experience.

With offices in Downtown, East LA, West LA, the Antelope Valley, and the San Fernando Valley, AYE is able to reach out to many underprivileged youth. Teens gain valuable work experience, counseling and education, tools they will need later on in life when they join the workforce. They are given the opportunity to work with prominent businesses, which for many is their first exposure to the working world. More than 350 employers offer entry-level positions. AYE director, Robert Gutierrez says, “The strength of our nation’s future will depend on how well we prepare today’s youth for America's future workforce.”

AYE recognizes that youth are our future, and strives to empower teens with the skills and training they need to become productive members of society. Through this program, teens receive real “life training.” By combining private resources with public funds, AYE helps many climb the ladder of success. .

For more information please contact Robert Gutierrez at (213) 736-5456.