Building healthier neighborhoods with community centers

In 2024, the Providence Little Company of Mary Wellness and Activity Center, in partnership with the Lawndale Elementary School District, opened in the South Bay community of Lawndale. With a goal to provide a clean and safe space for the community to play, learn and improve their health, the center also tackles health disparities by enhancing access to medical care, reducing food insecurity and more. 
 
Through partnerships with local volunteers and community organizations, the center provides a range of free programs, resources and services to underserved people.  
 
Programs offered include assistance with Medi-Cal, CalFresh and Covered California applications. Additionally, the center connects those who are uninsured and need primary care to the Vasek Polak Health Clinic and vaccinations through Partners for Health Kids Mobile Clinic, two Providence programs. 
 
Community members also can attend on-site workshops and classes on various topics including diabetes management, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) and English as a Second Language (ESL). 

"We are committed to providing our community with the health services and resources they need,” said Elizabeth Rivera, the center’s community service coordinator. “Our Providence Promise of ‘Know me, care for me, ease my way’ guides our work here. We want everyone to feel supported to live a healthier life." 
 

The Lawndale Wellness and Activity Center has served more than 850 people, becoming a key health hub in the South Bay and Los Angeles Coastal area.