The public is invited to join Pasadena’s Commission on the Status of Women for the release of its 2015 “Status of Women” report at a free reception and panel discussion from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Pasadena Central Library, Donald R. Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St.
Panelists discussing the report findings include representatives from Peace Over Violence, the Pasadena Police Department, Union Station Homeless Services, the California Department of Veteran Affairs (CAL VET) and the U.S. Department of Labor. For event information and to RSVP, call the Human Services and Recreation Department at (626) 744-4386.
The 2015 report will be released in time for Women’s History Month to raise awareness about women’s needs and challenges. Copies of the report will be available at the event while supplies last. The report will be posted online starting March 4. Look for the link on the City’s website at www.cityofpasadena.net/HumanServices.
The report highlights four key areas and challenges that Pasadena women face, including:
• Employment and Earnings – The annual gender earnings gap is $0.91 for women ages 16 and older who work full-time. When including the salaries of part-time workers, the annual gender earnings gap is significantly larger at $0.79.
• Housing and Homelessness – Thirty percent of households are headed by women with no spouse present; women constitute 35 percent of the homeless population; and women constitute 23 percent of the unsheltered homeless adult population.
• Women Veterans – Women make up only 8 percent of the veteran population but constitute 12 percent of the homeless veteran population.
• Domestic Violence – Women are victims in 84 percent of the domestic violence cases filed.
The report also includes Los Angeles County statistics on human trafficking, with California reporting 16 percent of human trafficking cases between 2008 and 2012, the highest in the nation, and the county reporting 1,300 trafficking victims between 2010 and 2012.
The annual report was produced by Pasadena’s Commission on the Status of Women in partnership with Mount St. Mary’s University. The Commission includes nine women appointed by the Pasadena City Council. During the past 30 years, the Commission has provided pertinent information regarding issues affecting women and has made recommendations on local programs and legislation to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for Pasadena girls and women.
Event sponsors include Assemblymember Chris Holden, the Pasadena Police Department, Union Station Homeless Services, Peace Over Violence, CAL VET, Pasadena City College, YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley, All Saints Church, American Association of University Women, National Women’s Political Caucus, Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, Women At Work, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Eta Lambda Omega Chapter), League of Women Voters, Pasadena, and the Junior League of Pasadena.
PASADENA, CA – On a single night in January, approximately 80 volunteers and Union Station Homeless Services’ staff gathered for the scheduled Pasadena Homeless Count. Together, they facilitated the census by combing the streets of Pasadena to document the local homeless population. Not only did they count the number of individuals living on the streets, but also those who are sheltered in transitional housing and emergency shelters.
As in past years Union Station Homeless Services’ staff participated in the annual count for the City of Pasadena to gain a more in-depth account of the current condition of the City. They set out early in the morning to collect demographic and background information to gain a better understanding of who is living on the streets and why.
Staff from Union Station Homeless Services – including Ryan Izell, Director of Adult Services, and Sieglinde von Deffner, Coordinator for the San Gabriel Valley’s new Coordinated Entry System (CES) – joined Anne Lansing from The Pasadena Housing Department, representatives from New Directions for Veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and local community advocates to conduct the count.
(From left to right): Anne Lansing (Pasadena Housing Department), Janet Tongtip (Department of Veterans Affairs), Sieglinde von Deffner (Coordinated Entry System), Emily Seagrave (New Directions for Veterans), Ryan Izell and Logan Siler of Union Station Homeless Services, and Hillary Evans (New Directions for Veterans)
In small groups, they fanned out across Pasadena to count those who reside in places not meant for human habitation. Our staff members’ extensive training and previous work with those experiencing homelessness enabled them to find people in places not searched regularly by other volunteers. They were also assisted by a formerly homeless individual, now a peer advocate who took volunteers into East Pasadena to connect with hard-to-find individuals who may otherwise not have been counted.
“We were able to debunk a lot of myths and stereotypes regarding the homeless in Pasadena,” remarks von Deffner. The group found that the upper and lower Arroyo areas, commonly thought to have a higher homeless population, had a low occurrence of individuals living outdoors or on the streets. Since 2005, Pasadena has set in motion a 10-year plan to end homelessness in the City. The results from the 2015 count will be an assessment of how effectively the plan has worked.
Although previous results from the Pasadena Homeless Count show a steady decrease in the City’s homeless population from 2011 to 2014, changes in demographics – such as location of homeless communities – can provide useful information in securing much needed services to underserved areas.
By searching parks and other zones outside of residential areas and shelters, Union Station’s teams did more than just gather important data; they also provided immediate support and vital resources to the individuals they encountered.
“We found a group living in an abandoned home,” von Deffner recalls. “Our team linked them with resources for those experiencing long-term homelessness.” Among that group was a veteran who is now working with New Directions to find permanent housing. Union Station’s CES team has also begun to follow up with many of the individuals encountered during the count.
To learn more about the programs and services provided by Union Station Homeless Services, visit www.unionstationhs.org.
###
Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station Homeless Services is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our community. We are the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. We believe every person deserves a life of dignity and a safe place to call home. With 41 years of experience, we proudly offer a full continuum of eight programs in seven locations; services include street outreach, intake/assessment, care coordination and navigation, meals, shelter, housing, employment development, benefits enrollment, and referrals to medical and mental health services.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers this week are serving the greater Los Angeles community on their 12th annual Community Service Caravan, Pitching in the Community presented by Bank of America. This week-long civic engagement initiative which began today includes participation from Dodger players, alumni and employees and Bank of America volunteers and will continue through Friday, January 30.
Tomorrow through Thursday, Dodger alumni Al Downing,Al Ferrara, Lee Lacy, Kenny Landreaux, Tim Leary, Matt Luke,Dennis Powell, Derrel Thomas and Steve Yeager will lead the Dodgers’ day of Pitching in the Community. Justin Turner will make a special appearance in his hometown of Long Beach on Wednesday.
The Dodgers’ Pitching in the Community presented by Bank of America is a week-long civic engagement initiative where Dodger players, alumni and employees and Bank of America volunteers join together in partnership with community-based organizations to help promote and support work that is positively changing the lives of children, teens and adults in greater Los Angeles. Through this initiative, the Dodgers continue to build on their tradition of community service with the goal of inspiring youth and adults to play, learn, live and serve.
Pitching in the Community also officially launches the Dodgers’ 2015 community relations work. As part of the cultural fabric of Los Angeles, the Dodgers seek to enhance their responsibility to every segment of the L.A. community through meaningful partnerships, programs and events. Community organizations interested in learning more can visit www.dodgers.com/community or can contact the Dodgers’ community relations department by emailing community1@ladodgers.com.
Tuesday, January 27:
Day two of Pitching in the Community will feature Dodger alumni Downing, Lacy, Leary and Powell, Dodger employees and Bank of America volunteers who will visit Hollenbeck Middle School for a project with City Year. City Year works to bridge the gap in high-poverty communities between the support that students actually need and what their schools are designed and resourced to provide. In doing so, they are helping to increase graduation rates across the country and changing the lives of the students served.
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hollenbeck Middle School
2510 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, 90023
The Dodgers and Bank of America will visit Hollenbeck Middle School to engage with City Year students. They will distribute Dodger hats and T-shirts to the youngsters, then join the group of 100 students in painting the gym and stairwell. City Year students will take a photo with Dodger alumni at the conclusion of the painting project.
Day two of Pitching in the Community will also include a visit to the After-School All-Stars at Cesar Chavez Elementary with Dodger alumni Ferrara, Luke and Powell, Dodger employees and Bank of America volunteers. After-School All-Stars Los Angeles educates, enlightens and inspires young people by providing dynamic and exciting opportunities for success, while cultivating self-esteem, leadership and respect to help build healthier communities.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
After-School All-Stars at Cesar Chavez Elementary
6139 Loveland Street, Bell Gardens, 90201
The Dodgers and Bank of America will join 130 third and fifth graders who are part of the After-School All-Stars program at Cesar Chavez Elementary for afterschool activities: basketball, ceramics, hip-hop dance, soccer and science projects. The youngsters will also receive Dodger hats and T-shirts. The Dodger character will also be on hand at Cesar Chavez Elementary.
Wednesday, January 28
Dodger alumni Lacy and Leary, Dodger employees and Bank of America volunteers will partake in day three of Pitching in the Community with a visit to Project Angel Food. Project Angel Food cooks and delivers more than 500,000 nutritious meals each year, 10,000 meals a week, free of charge, to the homes of men, women, and children effected by life-threatening illnesses. The vital food and nutrition services, including medically tailored meals and nutritional counseling, help underserved people throughout LA County who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. Created in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, they expanded their mission in 2004 to help their neighbors who are struggling with any life-threatening illness burdened by hunger and malnutrition.
8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Project Angel Food
922 Vine Street, Los Angeles, 90038
The Dodgers and Bank of America will join Project Angel Food in preparing 1,200 meals for delivery to individuals suffering from life-threatening illnesses in greater Los Angeles who are in need of nutritious meals. The group will work in prep, cooking and packing stations. Project Angel Food will also receive Dodger aprons, hats and T-shirts.
Dodger alumni Ferrara and Powell, Dodger employees and Bank of America volunteers will also complete a service project at the Downtown Women’s Center as part of day three of Pitching in the Community. Downtown Women’s Center is nationally recognized as a prototype for unique and effective programs serving homeless women and ending homelessness and is one of the first organizations to pioneer permanent supportive housing a proven and cost-effective model to ending homelessness. Services include meals, personalized case management, an on-site medical clinic, health workshops and screenings, computer literacy, government benefits advocacy, support groups, job counseling and self-expression classes.
9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Downtown Women’s Center
442 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, 90013
The Dodgers and Bank of America will prepare meals and serve lunch to the women and children currently in need of the services that Downtown Women’s Center offers. The group will also receive Dodger aprons, hats and T-shirts.
Dodger alumni Landreaux and Luke, Dodger employees and Bank of America volunteers will also serve the community of Long Beach at the Long Beach Rescue Mission. Justin Turner will join the group in serving his hometown. Long Beach Rescue Mission is a place of healing and hope serving the greater Long Beach community by improving the quality of life of the hurting and homeless through loving and equipping them to be reconciled to God, self, family and society.
10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Long Beach Rescue Mission
1430 Pacific Avenue Long Beach, 90813
The Dodgers and Bank of America will prepare meals, set tables and assist in the Long Beach Rescue Mission’s meal service program. The Long Beach Rescue Mission will also receive Dodger aprons, hats and T-shirts.
Day three of Pitching in the Community concludes with a service project at Union Station Homeless Services in Pasadena with Dodger alumni Downing and Yeager, Dodger employees and Bank of America volunteers. Union Station Homeless Services is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in the Pasadena community and is San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. Union Station Homeless Services distribute approximately 3,000 meals per month.
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Union Station Homeless Services
Adult Center
412 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 91104
The Dodgers and Bank of America will distribute Dodger aprons, hats and T-Shirts then work in preparing approximately 300 meals for two different meal shifts. The group will also assist in clean-up duty before concluding this service project.
Thursday, January 29
Dodger alumni Landreaux, Leary, Powell and Thomas, Dodger employees and Bank of America volunteers will partake in day four ofPitching in the Community with a visit to LAPD’s Harbor Division Station in San Pedro. In order to show gratitude to the many officers who keep Los Angeles safe, the group will join officers for a tour of the Harbor Division station and enjoy lunch together. The group will be joined by Councilmember Joe Buscaino. Located at the entrance of the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest port in the Western Hemisphere, Harbor Community Police Station serves as a beacon, ensuring the safe passage for all those who live and work in the area. Harbor Area has a population of approximately 171,000, encompasses 27 square miles, the largest area in South Bureau, and is home to four distinct communities: San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City and the Harbor Gateway.
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
LAPD Harbor Division Station
2175 John S. Gibson Blvd. San Pedro, 90731
The Dodgers and Bank of America will be welcomed by Captain III Gerald Woodyard, take a group photo, learn about the history of the LAPD Harbor Division Station and take a tour with officers. The group will also enjoy a catered lunch with the officers and distribute Dodger hats and T-shirts.
Members of the media interested in attending community events tomorrow through Thursday should contact the Dodgers’ Public Relations department by replying to this email or calling (323) 224-1301.
###
About Bank of America
Bank of America’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Our CSR efforts guide how we operate in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients and employees. Our goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with our stakeholders, we create value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of our business. We have several core areas of focus for our CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing, hunger and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and culture. As part of these efforts, employee volunteers across the company contribute their time, passion and expertise to address issues in communities where they live and work. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about and follow us on Twitter at @BofA_Community.
The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, with six World Series championships and 21 National League pennants since its beginnings in Brooklyn in 1890, is committed to a tradition of pride and excellence. The Dodgers are dedicated to supporting a culture of winning baseball, providing a first-class, fan-friendly experience at Dodger Stadium, and building a strong partnership with the community. With the highest cumulative fan attendance in Major League Baseball history, and a record of breaking barriers, the Dodgers are one of the most cherished sports franchises in the world.
During the annual Dinner-in-the-Park on Christmas Day in Pasadena’s Central Park, the Union Station Homeless Services have provided meals to the homeless, low income families and those with no where else to go on the holiday. See all the photos from today’s event.
Just because you may be having hard luck is no reason to be alone and hungry on Christmas. Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) is hosting its annual Holiday Dinner-in-the-Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, offering thousands of holiday meals and hope to anyone who is homeless, as well as seniors, very low-income families and those with no place to go for the holidays.
While Union Station is unable to accept more volunteers today, those willing to help can stop by and make a donation of $10 or whatever one can afford, or donate through unionstatonhs.org, to help underwrite the cost of the event and support their year-round mission. Those wishing to serve food are encouraged to register on the USHS site as a volunteer starting Nov. 1 each year for the Thanksgiving dinner, and starting Dec. 1 for the Christmas dinner.
The annual holiday meals have been serving up to 5,000 people each Thanksgiving and Christmas for the past four decades. The charity’s efforts were dealt a setback last year when the Pasadena Health Department Environmental Health Division Manager Liza Frias found that home-prepared food donated to the meals by thousands of area residents each year were violating the California Retail Food Code.
The code regulates how foods are produced for human consumption. Prior to the department’s crackdown, area residents would drive up to the event and hand off home-cooked turkeys, stuffing, mashed potatoes and green bean casseroles to volunteer servers.
People are still welcome to drop off nonperishable items, like canned goods, or packaged items such as a store-bought apple pie. People are also invited to make a monetary donation in lieu of cooked items.
Companies willing to make an impact on area homelessness throughout the year are encouraged to download the Corporate Sponsor Packet from Union Station’s website. Call (626) 240-4557 or visit unionstationhs.org all year round to find ways to help.
