For the past several years, the Holiday
Dinner has provided us with an opportunity to serve our community by
“adopting” needy families who are receiving services from
the Little Tokyo Service Center.
South Bay JACL members and friends have generously donated several
hundred dollars each year to share the spirit of "kansha" and gratitude
during the holiday season. This year, we will be celebrating with the
Japanese American and/or South Bay area families below.
If you'd like to attend the South Bay JACL
Holiday Dinner on December 4, 2009 or if you can't come to the dinner,
but would like to participate in the 2009 Holiday Giving Project,
please contact support@southbayjacl.org.
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A depressed mother has been raising 3 children (8, 10
& 14 years old) by herself since separating from her abusive
husband. Her 10-year-old child is mentally challenged, however, the
father refuses to provide any support to the family. He also cut health
insurance for the mother recently, which exacerbated her depression.
The family receives case management and counseling services to deal
with multiple issues.
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A mother of a 3-year-old girl works very hard to make ends
meet. She had been dating an abusive boyfriend for about a year and a
half, but recently realized that it’s not good for herself and
her daughter and seek counseling services. Through the sessions, she
has learned about some coping skills, healthy relationship vs. abusive
relationship, and good environment for her child to grow up so far.
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A mother of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy moved into a
domestic violence shelter in order to flee from her abusive husband.
Her divorce case has finally been settled, and she has gained full
physical custody of her son. In the meantime, she has been waiting for
her work permit so that she will be able to work as a nurse
practitioner. She is eager to improve her parenting skills and acquire
better stress management techniques through counseling sessions with
LTSC.
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After considering her situation for a long time, a mother
with a three-and-a-half-year-old boy took the courageous action of
leaving her husband who has serious substance abuse problems. Although
she is now a single mother, the move was in the best interest of
herself and her child. She started to look for a job and childcare
provider right away, and currently works full-time at a travel agency.
She would like to go to college in the near future to pursue a career
in a helping profession.
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A single father has been raising his 3 daughters (6, 10
& 12) since his wife left them for another man. Due to the recent
bad economy, his work hours have been reduced, so he has been trying to
find a second job. However, he had a difficult time due to lack of
childcare and job opportunities. The family is receiving case
management services, but faces a financial crisis for this holiday
season.
