Community Reconnects After Two Years Due to COVID Postponements

Festive Evening at the Community Resource Center

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is excited to celebrate the return of in person events at the Community Resource Center (CRC). The “Community REconnect” marked the first in-person event at the CRC since 2020, and was highlighted through a festive evening which included the distribution of school supplies, music, interactive games, including a giant Connect 4 and treats for kids, and resource booths for families. This year’s event combined two crucial community aspects, the CRC’s commitment to an equitable learning environment and its deep connection to the community.

Approximately 300 students received backpacks full of school supplies and reusable water bottles. All school supplies were sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The event also provided an opportunity for youth and families to reconnect with their community through entertainment; a lively DJ provided the tunes for families to dance the Cha-Cha Slide. Other resources available to families included free haircuts for youth and COVID-19 vaccination booths.

“This event wasn’t just fun – it was a great way to get school supplies and resources to local families who need them ahead of the new school year.  I appreciate LACDA’s commitment to supporting the families here in South Whittier,” said Supervisor Hahn.

As the local resource hub, the CRC spans a seven-mile service area and serves over 41,500 residents annually. It provides multiple levels of comprehensive, integrated, and accessible services supporting youth, seniors, and families in the unincorporated Whittier areas. Core services include educational programs like basic computer and internet workshops, English as a Second Language (ESL) workshops, and parenting classes.

“We are excited to see a great turn out at today’s event,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “After so long without in-person events, the CRC’s event demonstrates our commitment to ‘REconnect’ with the Whittier area community and work together to meet the LACDA’s mission to Build Better Lives and Better Neighborhoods.”

The CRC is located at 10750 Laurel Avenue in South Whittier. For information on services provided by the CRC, please call (562) 946-2425, or visit the website at www.swcrc.org.