Guest Opinion | Brandon Lamar: Recognizing Community Resilience and Championing Local Non-Profits

In the spirit of the Holidays, our community continues to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to compassion and unity, distributing thousands of turkeys and food boxes to individuals and families. This collective effort to ensure that every member of our community experienced the warmth of the holiday season is truly remarkable and speaks to the generosity that defines Pasadena.

As someone who lives just two buildings away from Friends In Deed, I witness the ongoing battle against food insecurities that many face daily. Conversations with families paint a poignant picture of the tough choices they are forced to make—deciding between buying medication or putting food on the table, grappling with the dilemma of gas for their cars versus providing a meal, and navigating the difficult decision of paying utility bills or ensuring their family has enough to eat.

These are the real, everyday struggles that persist beyond the holiday festivities. While we celebrate the Holiday efforts, it’s crucial to acknowledge the unsung heroes in our community—those who serve “the least of these” not just during the holidays but throughout the entire year.

Our local non-profits stand out as the true champions, providing critical support and saving the city millions of dollars in the process. These organizations are the backbone of our community, offering a diverse range of services, from youth and development programs to employment services, social services, wrap-around services, homeless services, mental health services, affordable housing, and beyond.

Amidst the challenges posed by inflation and increasing prices, it’s these local non-profits that continue to be beacons of hope, ensuring that essential needs are met for those who need it most. They play a pivotal role in supporting local residents, contributing not only to the well-being of individuals and families but also to the economic and social fabric of our city.

As a candidate for Pasadena City Council, I am committed to championing the cause of our local non-profits. They have not only been crucial in times of crisis but are also integral to the sustained growth and prosperity of our community. Recognizing their profound impact, it is imperative that we ensure these organizations have the support and resources necessary to continue their invaluable work.

The services provided by our local non-profits, ranging from youth development to affordable housing, are not just community assets—they are lifelines. As we express gratitude for the recent Thanksgiving initiatives, let’s channel that gratitude into advocacy for sustained support for our local non-profits. Together, let’s build a Pasadena where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, thanks to the unwavering commitment of those who serve tirelessly year-round.

Resources: 

• Friends In Deed (Homelessness Services, Food Bank)
• Flintridge Center (Youth Development, Apprenticeship Program, Reintegration)
• Shepherd’s Door (Domestic Violence Resource Center)
• Day One (Youth Development, Public Health Education, Violence Prevention)
• Union Station Homeless Services (Homeless Services, Food Bank, Support Services)
• Pasadena Senior Center (Basic Senior Support, Food Bank, Fitness Program, Community Activism 
• Pasadena Community Job Center (Immigration Support, Employment Services)
• Youth & Healthy (Medical Care, Dental Care, Mental Health)

These are just a few among the numerous non-profits that provide services in the Pasadena area.

Brandon Lamar is a community organizer and a candidate for the Pasadena City Council District 3 seat. A lifelong resident of Pasadena’s District 3, Lamar has dedicated his life to social justice and equity for marginalized communities.