La Cañada Presbyterian Church Parent Ed Donates to Hope Garden/Union Rescue Mission

Every year, LCPC Parent Education tithes back 10% of their fundraising proceeds to a charity that benefits children and families. This past summer, they selected HOPE GARDENS FAMILY CENTER (located just 20 minutes from La Canada) as their annual recipient. Their gift, which was doubled by another donor, allowed Hope Gardens to upgrade their computer labs and AV equipment to support online distance learning and school accommodation for the children and youth (through age 18) who live on campus.

Hope Gardens Family Center is a ministry of Union Rescue Mission, a transitional residential facility located on 77 acres in Sylmar, for mothers and their children formerly experiencing homelessness. Hope Gardens provides a sanctuary for these families who have been living on the streets due to economic hardships, illness, abuse, or other unfortunate circumstances. This oasis of hope helps women and their children transition from homelessness to independence over three years by offering services, training, counseling, educational opportunities, and spiritual care. As one of the staff so lovingly cited: “Here at Hope Gardens, our mission is not just transition but transformation.”

Parent Education Director, Anne Bierling, who toured Hope Gardens with her son Grant said: “While the pandemic has limited all of our lives, it also reminds us of the obstacles that many endure constantly. And so, the faith, persistence, and grit of those who consistently ‘do life’ amidst limited options has inspired us to LEARN from their powerful examples and LEAN into all the needs around us.”

For more information about how you can support this important ministry, go to www.urm.org/donate (specify Hope Gardens). Tutoring, donations, and in-kind gifts (listed below) are needed and appreciated at this time. Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Shirley Rayburn at 213-347- 6308 or email at srayburn@urm.org.

In-kind needs can be dropped off at Hope Gardens @ 12249 Lopez Canyon Road, Sylmar, CA 91342. Items currently needed include: Incentive items for our children and youth point system: books, puzzles, school supplies, video games, electronics (including DVDs), sports items (balls and equipment), cameras, Legos, Disney items, gift cards, dolls, and educational workbooks. Clothing for women, children, babies (new and gently used) are always welcome. Art supplies for women, senior citizens, and youth–as well we mattresses are greatly appreciated.

La Cañada Presbyterian Church’s (LCPC) Parent Education has recently launched a customized mix of IN-PERON outdoor classes and VIRTUAL classes! Due to Covid, Parent Ed has customized each class to ensure participants will still receive the same quality education they have come to expect from LCPC Parent Education. The hope is to return to more in-person class as soon as it is safely possible. Parent Education classes meet weekly September through May and attract over 600 parents and children from 22 different cities.

Due to new ZOOM options, parents can now join our classes long distance–even from other states! Registration is still open. To learn more about classes or to register, go to www.lacanadapc.org/parented. Scholarships and payment plans are available online. La Canada Presbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill in La Canada.