Left to proper: Sandra Rose, Francisco Oaxaca, John Baackes, Margaret Cash, Rosie Mendoza, Danny Mendoza
Blue Defend Promise Well being Plan members, neighborhood neighbors, and native nonprofit teams within the Lynwood neighborhood of Los Angeles County gathered on the Lynwood Group Useful resource Middle on Might 20 to rejoice 15 years for the reason that Middle first opened.
Lynwood was the primary of 11 Group Useful resource Facilities now collectively operated by Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care Well being Plan. By year-end, there will probably be 14 whole Facilities within the community, providing applications and companies targeted on bettering bodily and psychological well being.
The celebration drew almost 1,000 guests and featured speeches, a dedication to former worker Angel Mendoza, who made vital contributions within the early years of the Middle, and festive actions together with free haircuts for kids, face portray, video games, salsa dancing, a DJ, and a taco truck.
“These Facilities have turn into beacons of hope and help for numerous people and households in want. They supply a protected place for everybody to return collectively and be energetic, wholesome, and knowledgeable,” stated Sandra Rose, senior director of Group and Supplier Engagement, Blue Defend Promise. “That’s a testomony to the workers right here, who’re so dedicated to creating a distinction of their neighborhood day-after-day.”
Sonia Carrillo, a area people member, has been coming to the Lynwood Middle because it opened, bringing her 4 youngsters alongside so she may reap the benefits of the health courses. She received hooked on the Pilates courses, which saved her coming again usually. Right this moment, her favourite exercise is salsa dance courses.
“Train makes me really feel motivated and proper now taking salsa classes helps me enhance my mobility and retains my joints versatile,” she stated. “All through the years coming right here, I’ve discovered somewhat little bit of every part that’s associated to well being.”
One other neighborhood member, Yolanda Limon, found the Middle 5 years in the past when she was invited to go to by a nutritionist. Limon needed to learn to prepare dinner more healthy meals that might assist her handle her diabetes. She now comes twice per week and has discovered new, wholesome recipes for herself and her household, whereas additionally dropping 15 kilos. She additionally has participated in artwork remedy courses to assist her cope with stress.
One factor each girls say the Group Useful resource Middle has helped them do is make new mates and develop a stronger sense of neighborhood. For Carrillo, meaning with the ability to “rejoice good instances and help one another throughout dangerous instances” whereas encouraging one another to reside more healthy.
Yolanda Limon
Limon stated she has introduced mates who additionally try to handle their diabetes, to allow them to get the identical assist that has labored for her.
“I’m honored to be right here as a visitor for the fifteenth anniversary of the Middle, and I additionally see this as a celebration of my very own outcomes,” Limon stated. “I’m blissful to see an increasing number of individuals interested by coming to be taught like I did.”
The Group Useful resource Facilities present an array of companies designed to enhance well being and construct wholesome communities. Native residents are in a position to take free health courses, study diet and wholesome cooking, get vaccinated and get in-person assist navigating their Medi-Cal advantages.
To be taught extra in regards to the Group Useful resource Facilities, go to www.CommunityResourceCenterLA.org.
