SPIRITT'S Insider Scoop

December 2023

The S. Mark Taper Foundation Grants an Award of $75,000

SPIRITT Family Services is pleased to announce we have received a generous grant award of $75,000 from the S. Mark Taper Foundation that will provide general operating support and will strengthen SPIRITT’s ability to advance our primary goal of building stronger, more resilient, inclusive communities in southeastern Los Angeles County.

Each year, SPIRITT provides essential social services to more than 13,000 economically and socially vulnerable children and families. Utilizing a strength-based, trauma-informed approach, person-centered philosophy, and evidence-based practices, SPIRITT advances its mission to empower families, improve health and wellbeing, and strengthen communities. Social impact is achieved by three key categories: Integrated behavioral health services, building parent skills and family resiliency, and connecting families to community resources.

“SPIRITT is honored to be the recipient of the S. Mark Taper Foundation grant which will help enhance the lives of children and their families in communities with limited resources and opportunities.” -Elvia Torres, Chief Executive Officer

Holiday Festivities in December

The month of December involves numerous festivities that bring people and communities together around the world. Holiday celebrations in December include Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s. Some of these holidays have a religious and cultural significance. While others promote unity, celebration, giving and new beginnings. Let’s delve deeper into these holiday traditions.

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday where families and friends come together each day for 8 consecutive days at the end of daylight to light a candle on the menorah. After lighting the candle families exchange gifts, play games with a spinning top called a dreidel and enjoy foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot.

Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. During this holiday Christians come together and worship as well as spend time with family and friends and exchange gifts. Traditions include decorating a Christmas tree, hanging stockings, singing carols, and enjoying festive meals.

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that It takes place from December 26 - January 1. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that highlights seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba, which promote unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Traditions include lighting the Kinara and exchanging educational and cultural gifts, music, traditional dances, and preparing special meals.

New Years marks the beginning of a new calendar year. It’s celebrated on January 1 in most countries around the world. New Years is a time for reflection, new beginnings, and setting goals for the upcoming year. Traditions include countdowns and fireworks, parties, gatherings, resolutions, setting intentions, reflections, and gratitude.

SPIRITT Family Services wishes you a safe and happy holiday season full of joy, warmth and gratitude!

Offices will be closed for the holidays & New Years from:

December 22-25 and again for New Years from December 29 through January 1, 2024. We will reopen on January 2, 2024. Happy Holidays!

Evening with Friends Recap

Last month SPIRITT Family Services held an appreciation dinner to recognize and honor SPIRITT’S most dedicated volunteers and donors who have played a vital role in supporting SPIRITT. The evening was filled with laughter, connection, and appreciation. Guests enjoyed delicious food, drinks, and received awards for their remarkable dedication and commitment. We would like to take the opportunity to thank SPIRITT’s Board Member Jess Montes for donating the evenings’ musical entertainment. Additionally, we would like to thank Board President Rose Marie Gallegos, for speaking and presenting awards. We are truly grateful for your generosity and support. Your commitment inspires us every day to strive for excellence and to create lasting impact.

Whittier Woman's Club

Adopt SPIRITT Families

SPIRITT would like to give a huge shoutout to the Whittier Woman's Club This holiday season for adopting SPIRITT Families during this month of giving and brining smiles to children and families needing additional support during the holidays. One of the families receiving support through the Whittier Woman's Club this year is the legal guardian of her 17 and 11 year old grandchildren. Recently she was diagnosed with cancer, which in turn deeply impacted the family emotionally and financially. The support received will allow the family to afford holiday gifts this year, while creating everlasting family memories that will be treasured forever. Thank you for helping this family and many more during this month of giving.

SPIRITT's Holiday Wish List

During the holiday season, we embrace the spirit of giving and would like to share our holiday wish list with you. This list contains items that can greatly assist families in need during this special time.

Your generous donations are used to provide critical relief to SPIRITT Families. With your help families in need will have food and presents to put under their tree.

Please ensure all items are new/unused and un-wrapped. For more information please contact Community Development Manager, Brenda Olivas, at 562-783-9160 or via email at brendao@spiritt.org. Thank you for your help and happy holidays to all!

Upcoming Community Events

SPIRITT Family Services will be hosting its Winter Wonderland Event at the South El Monte Family Center location, where families will enjoy delicious food, arts and crafts, photo station, carnival style games, raffles, activities music and much more.

Date/Time: Saturday, December 16th, 2023 from 10:30am-1:30pm

Location: 2000 Tyler Ave South El Monte, CA 91733

For more information please contact Cristal Divas at 626-484-5572.

SPIRITT Family Services will be hosting its Winter Wonderland Event at the in Pomona. Families will enjoy delicious food, arts and crafts, photo station, carnival style games, raffles, activities music and much more.

Date/Time: Saturday, December 16th, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Location: 954 W. Mission Blvd Pomona CA. 91766

For more information please contact 855-714-8800.

Make A Positive Impact!

As our community's needs evolve, SPIRITT remains committed to providing quality mental and emotional health programs to children and their families. Your gift helps make it possible.

Donate Today

Keep in Touch!