When I selected “Children are our future” as my theme for this year, I embraced the journey that is ahead for all members of the Assistance League of Long Beach. Our mission states “Assistance League volunteers transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs” with the vision that, when the essential needs are met, our community and families flourish. The leaders of tomorrow are the children of today, and our goal is to make it possible for children to be prepared to assume leadership roles.
Our goal will be easier to accomplish as we transition into a unified campus with the building of our new Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation Children’s Center, which will house our expanded orthodontic facility and the new home of Operation School Bell®. The renovation of our Cherese Mari Laulhere Philanthropic Center will add rooms dedicated to classroom use for CAMEO and Assisteens® students, as well as increase meeting room space for current activities.
Assistance League of Long Beach’s philanthropic programs are dedicated to furthering the education of children in so many areas, whether it be Launching Literacy, Kids on the Block, Vocational Training, Scholarships, ALa Carte, Howard Collection tours, or Assisteens programs. Our philanthropic programs are the reason our wonderful volunteers want to be members of Assistance League.
My vision is to continue to support these programs, while encouraging the community to support our efforts. Community involvement, as well as partnerships with local businesses, will enforce our mission to improve the lives of our future leaders.
Remember to “cherish the child” and all will be good in the world.
Penny Wilds
President 2019-2020