East Rancho Dominugez Workshops and Supper

Income inequality

Other

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

East Rancho Dominguez is a historically underserved community facing overlapping challenges, including economic instability, housing insecurity, limited small business support, and reduced access to civic resources. As we enter a period of rising costs and potential recession, many residents—especially working-class families, elders, and first-time homeowners—are at risk of being left behind. There is a need for culturally relevant, grassroots programming that not only provides practical tools but also strengthens social connections. Community members have the knowledge and desire to create change, but lack access to platforms, resources, and guidance. This initiative addresses these gaps by offering free, inclusive workshops with meals, raffles, and hands-on support to help residents protect their homes, build local businesses, and foster neighborhood pride and resilience.

This grant will fund a series of 11 free community workshops and suppers hosted by the East Rancho Dominguez Neighborhood Association (ERDNA). Each event will focus on practical topics that directly address the community’s most pressing needs—homeownership protection, small business development, financial literacy, neighborhood safety, mental wellness, and food security. These gatherings will be held at the local community center and include a hot supper from local vendors, raffles with helpful prizes (such as home improvement items, gift cards, and tools), and hands-on, bilingual workshops led by local experts or community members.
The program is designed to meet residents where they are: offering education in an accessible, welcoming environment that fosters connection, mutual aid, and empowerment. It intentionally uplifts underrepresented voices—especially elders, renters, working-class families, and aspiring entrepreneurs—by giving them the tools and community support to thrive during economically challenging times. By combining nourishment, learning, and celebration, this initiative transforms education into an act of community care, resilience, and local pride.

If our work is successful, East Rancho Dominguez will serve as a model for how grassroots, community-led initiatives can strengthen neighborhoods from within. Residents will be more connected, informed, and empowered to protect their homes, start businesses, and care for one another. Local vendors and entrepreneurs will see increased support, and neighbors will feel a renewed sense of pride and ownership in their community. The workshops will spark long-term collaboration, leadership development, and economic resilience—especially in underserved areas. As these impacts grow, LA County will become a more inclusive, equitable place where even its most overlooked communities have the resources, relationships, and confidence to thrive. Our success will show that investing in people, place, and connection at the local level can drive transformative change across the region.