This year, our chapter augmented our annual holiday party with an
outstanding service project.  PSULA partnered with Beyond Shelter, a
non-profit organization founded in 1988 in response to increasing numbers
of homeless families in Los Angeles and the need for a more comprehensive
approach to serving them. Today, the mission of the agency is to develop
systemic approaches to combat poverty and homelessness among families with
children, and to enhance family economic security and well-being.

In addition to providing housing, education, and welfare-to-work
opportunities, Beyond Shelter organizes a program during the holiday season
called Adopt-a-Family.  Through this program, PSULA was able to collect
gifts for a family of seven, who otherwise would not have had presents
during the holiday season.

Leaders of our community service and social committees provided multiple
opportunities to donate to our adopted family.  The specific wants and
needs of the family were provided in a wish-list, which was posted as a
gift registry on our website.  This proved very effective in identifying
unique items, such as a Spanish language Bible, which meant a great deal to
the family.  The registry identified gift themes, such as superheroes or
particular sports, which allowed chapter members to purchase meaningful,
personalized gifts.  Those unable to go shopping donated funds online,
which were used to purchase any outstanding items on the wish list.
Our members then went shopping for the items on the registry and brought
them to the holiday party, where they were wrapped by the attendees.

The results of our initiative were best expressed in a note from the mother
of our adopted family:

“Hello this is Rosario.  I just wanted to thank you for adopting our family
for Christmas.  You brought tears to my eyes just knowing that there are
still loving and caring people in this world you made our Christmas one of
the most joyful ones.  My kids were so happy and we were truly blessed.  We
thank you with all of our hearts for making this possible we want to give
you this picture of our family and to let you know that we wish you the
best and again thank you!

Sincerely,

Dagoberto, Rosario, Oscar, Janet, Jennifer, & Jesse”

Our group raised $800 for this cause, which provided each child with a new
bicycle.  Beyond toys, these funds provided new warm clothing and shoes for
both the family’s children and parents.

Our chapter’s participation in Adopt-a-Family will be an annual tradition.
As a result, PSULA will enjoy increased camaraderie among its members and
increased participation in chapter activities.

The story of Dagoberto and Rosario, our adopted parents, is a great
illustration of Beyond Shelter’s work and its long-term community benefits.
Rosario was abused physically and mentally by her first husband, the father
of her first four children.  This abuse led to a drug addiction.  After
successfully completing rehab, Rosario and her new husband Dagoberto were
unable to find affordable housing.  Beyond Shelter stepped in to provide
low income transitional housing and develop a plan to get them on their
feet.  With the help of a Beyond Shelter Employment Specialist, Dogoberto
has obtained a job as a supervisor at a retail chain.