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Presentation Learning Center, Los Angeles, CA
Graduation 2011
Jim and Jeanne Pieper opened their home to friends of Presentation Learning Center on February 20th to share their wonderful collection of religious artifacts which they have collected all over the world. Jim gave a very informative explanation of the items, many of which have been shown in museums all over Los Angeles and the country, including at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. Wine and cheese were enjoyed by all as they marveled at the beautiful collection. We hope you enjoy these photos of our day!
L.A. Immersion trip over Winter Break
Bianka Mariles (So), Corina Martinez (So), Tiffanie Obilor (So), Melissa Portillo (Jr), Katie Trinh (Jr), Maryam Qamar (Sr), Kennedy Chelberg (Sr), Athena Moguel (Sr), MaryJane Perryman, and myself had eye-opening experiences and met many wonderful people determined to work hard to learn English or quit an addiction or transform their former life of violence.
We spent the first part of our trip staying at a soup kitchen serving people who are homeless and learning about the reality of life on Skid Row. While many of the stories we heard were heartbreaking, we received many blessing and smiles from our visits with people. Attached is a video of some of the fun that can be had on Skid Row. On Wednesday nights a community center host karaoke and we happened to be there the night of their finals which ended in the whole community dancing the electric slide! Our ladies were more than happy to join in!
We had the pleasure of dining at Homegirl Café and then hearing stories from Louise and Tony two former gang members who have turned their lives around with the help of Homeboy Industries and Father Greg Boyle. Homeboy Industries strives to give people jobs as an alternative to their gang life while providing much needed support and unconditional love to help them stay on the right path.
The second half of our trip was spent with the Presentation Sister in Watts where they run a Learning Center and provide courses in English Language, Citizenship, G.E.D., childcare, and sewing. Our Presentation students were able to help teach in all the classes and we learned so much from the sisters about their love and respect for the people of Watts and the importance of healing and human dignity. We also learned much from the students themselves who shared their stories with us and demonstrated their determination to learn with eagerness and joy. On our last day they showed off their ballet folklorico costumes which they sewed by dancing and getting us to join in! There are two videos attached, one of an English 1 course having fun and the other of the ballet folklorico itself.
Enjoy the photos and videos! If you have any of the students in your class please encourage them to share about their immersion trip.
Presentation Learning Center was delighted to host eight young women and two teachers from Presentation High School in San Jose, California the week of February 21st. They helped out in our ESL, computer and citizenship classes and played with the children in our babysitting program. Living with us in community and praying with us daily was a wonderful experience. They also visited the Watts Towers, a local Mexican bazaar and helped with the homeless.
Events held for the Learning Center
- Tour of the Pieper Collection on Sunday, Feb. 13th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. (see Jim Pieper's website for more information)
- Afternoon Tea in Palos Verdes on Sunday, March 13th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
- Fashion Show on Saturday, April 16th at 12:00 noon at San Miguel Parish Hall.
- Contact Sr. Jane for reservations for any of the fundraisers.
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