 |
Contact
Information:
Organization
History:
In 1965, several months before South
Central Los Angeles burst into the destructive
frustration which became known as the Watts riots, a
group of concerned union leaders organized the Watts
Labor Community Action Committee. Their goal was to
stimulate economic change and improve the quality of life
for poor families living in South Central Los Angeles.
WLCAC was established as a non-profit, community
organization with longtime Watts resident Ted Watkins as
president. Immediately after the disastrous riots, WLCAC
intensified its efforts to change the physical and
economic despair of Watts. With a volunteer staff, WLCAC
created employment training programs and began rebuilding
neighborhoods. Today, WLCAC is one of the largest and
most successful community-based organizations in the
country, with an international reputation for expertise
in community self-help and a field office in London,
England.
Funding for WLCAC's many social service programs has come
from federal, state and local governments, as well as
from private donations and foundation grants. Unlike many
similar organizations, however, WLCAC has several
components which generate and recycle income within the
community it serves.
top of page
Program
Overview:
Watts Labor Community Action Committee is
directed to impact the community in a positive fashion,
improving the lives of the people WLCAC serves. WLCAC
wishes to get others in joint participation to help
develop projects and improve this vital area within Los
Angeles. Through the following programs WLCAC is
continuing with the dream of its founder, Ted Watkins:
Manpower Training - Training
youth and adults in computer operations, retail
sales, security services, banking, bookkeeping
and clerical fields
Senior Citizen Program -
recreational activities, educational programs,
health screening, field trips, day care and hot
meals to the elderly
Child Care - child care for
children 3 months to 5 years of age, 12 hours per
day, five days per week, serving the low to
moderate income families
Greater Watts Transportation -
mini-busses, equip with wheelchair lifts are used
to provide door-to-door transportation for the
elderly or physically handicapped to senior
centers, health-care facilities, shopping
centers, and community service facilities for a
nominal fee
Energy Conservation -
Handiworker, Weatherization, and Fire Hydrant
Maintenance Programs - yard clean-up, house
painting, minor kitchen and bath repairs, roof
patching and formerly the free ULFT
exchange program
Mental Health Transitional Living
Program - WLCAC operates two semi-independent
living facilities for people who have been
released from psychiatric hospitals, but whom are
not yet ready to resume completely independent
lives.
Homeless Assistance Programs -
WLCAC helps homeless individuals and families
gain stability in their lives, providing
emergency motel vouchers and groceries to
permanent housing
top of page
|
