Assistance League San Pedro-South Bay

• Our Dental Center serves children, ages 3 through High School, of low income families with quality Dental care in our operatories by paid professional personnel. Those patients in need of Orthodontic services are referred to outside specialists and the Chapter pays half of the total cost, the Orthodontist pays 25% and the family pays 25% of the contract amount. The patients are drawn from several areas that are characterized by low income residences and are primarily from families with non-English speaking parents. The center also provides dental hygiene education. Success is measured after treatment and repair as patients with several appointments with no further needs and who demonstrate good oral hygiene practices.

• Operation School Bell provides new clothes and shoes for children, grades K-6, that are referred by school nurses in surrounding districts as in need. The children are also given personal care items, an appropriate grade level book to keep, and school supplies. Smiles and thank you messages are our rewards as well as schools eager to refer needy students for the program.

• Community Aid has several facets. We supply a child crisis center with snacks, a group home for expectant moms with cleaning supplies. We supply layettes for new Moms when they complete a parenting class. The sponsors of the class note that few if any of these mothers have support of family or friends.

• Operation Hug supplies Teddy Bears for children in traumatic situations. They are distributed through 5 hospitals, a child crisis center, and another family agency.

• The Weavers program provides monthly lunches and entertainment in a social setting for visually impaired seniors. These are generally elderly clients with little opportunity for social contacts.

• Los Ojo Bonitos provides funds for eye examinations and glasses for students who would otherwise not be able to afford eye care. This is administered through Los Angeles City School District.

• Assault Survivor Kits (ASK) consisting of clothing and personal items are provided to victims of assault in order that the patient can leave behind evidence and have fresh clothing upon release from emergency care. These too are distributed through a trauma center.

• Scholarships for nurses in training for assault care are awarded to eligible students in this area of specialization.

• Assisteens assist students in a special needs program by providing a Halloween Party and working in the summer program.