Sisters Catherine Burke, Jane Bonar, and Mary Sullivan, PBVM teach Spanish speaking adults, the majority of whom are recent immigrants from Mexico and Central America, at Presentation Learning Center in the Watts area of Los Angeles, California. Classes include English as a Second Language, U.S. citizenship preparation, computer skills, crafts, sewing, music, dancing, nutrition, art, and many other subjects. The people in the area earn low wages, and three or more families share a small home or apartment, each contributing to the rental costs. Most work in day-labor, construction, in factories, and in the clothing industry. The average family income is between $5,000 and $10,000 per year. Many of the students are undocumented immigrants, which mean they do no receive government help of any kind and live under the constant fear of deportation. Many have had only a few years of education, and lack English and other skills. Taking classes at the Learning Center enables them to survive in a new and oftentimes hostile society. It provide a welcoming space where they can form community and feel at home in a new country.

In the future, we see ourselves continuing to serve the poor in this area in this same way, adding more classes as needed. The Learning Center recently celebrated the 5th Anniversary of its opening.

Click here to visit the Presentation Learning Center webpage.