SACRAMENTO, CA - On Wednesday, June 5, 2023, Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) recognized the East Los Angeles Women’s Center (ELWAC) as the California Nonprofit of the Year, a testament to the exceptional work done by ELAWC in supporting and empowering women and girls in the East Los Angeles community.
Each year, California Assemblymembers and State Senators recognize a Nonprofit of the Year for their district. These awards are co-sponsored by the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits).
“The East Los Angeles Women's Center is an invaluable non-profit in our community that serves individuals who need support and services at their most vulnerable moment,” said Assemblywoman Carrillo. “Their unwavering commitment to domestic violence survivors and their families, as well as those struggling with homelessness, sexual abuse, partner abuse, or HIV / AIDS, coupled with their innovative and culturally-responsive services, has made a profound impact in our community. Their tireless efforts have not only uplifted countless lives but have also inspired hope and resilience for the residents of East Los Ángeles and overall Eastside communities. I commend the center's exceptional leadership and staff, and I am honored to recognize their outstanding contributions to our district.”
“We are deeply humbled and honored to be selected by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo as a 2023 Nonprofit of the Year” said Barbara Kappos, Executive Director of ELAWC. “With compassion and commitment, our staff, volunteers, and promotoras deliver a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized in our communities, helping strengthen survivors and their families so they can successfully develop safe and stable homes and futures.”
Established in 1976, the East Los Angeles Women's Center has emerged as a leading voice and advocate for survivors and their families affected by sexual, domestic, and intimate partner violence, HIV/AIDS, and the intersection of homelessness. The center was founded by a dedicated group of Latinas in East Los Angeles who pioneered the first bilingual hotline for Spanish-speaking survivors of sexual assault in the nation.
Today, the East Los Angeles Women's Center (ELAWC) continues to create innovative, comprehensive, and culturally-responsive services and solutions for women across the Los Angeles region. ELAWC works collaboratively with partners to promote the implementation of policies and practices that advance social justice. Their tradition of compassionate, devoted service has led to ELAWC becoming one of the most trusted resources for women’s issues in California.
Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo was elected to the California State Assembly in December 2017. She represents the 52nd District of California, encompassing East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, and parts of Glendale. She has served as the Chair of Budget Sub-Committee #4 on State Administration, and a member of the Appropriations, Health, Housing and Community Development, and Utilities and Energy Committees, as well as Chair of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities.
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