Hi Everyone,

As we approach the end of 2018, I wonder if we’re not all doing so with a collective sigh of relief. National politics in addition to the tragic fires and gun violence in California have left us all a bit shaken. However; California, its people, and nature itself are resilient and will evolve. Never-the-less, I’ve grown in my awareness that while many of us are thriving, others of those in our communities are not.

As I pursue my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, I have the privilege of interning at the Relational Center in Los Angeles. Their mission is to lead a shift to a culture that values empathy, diversity, and interdependence. Collectively, we envision a world in which communities collaborate to practice mindful compassion, mutual support, and civic engagement. As a community wellness center, we exist to promote the essential importance of relationships. Our work promotes personal, interpersonal, and social practices that help people build strong, resilient relationships. Our programs provide healing support, a space for community building, and tools for leadership.

Having worked with homeless veterans, I’ve seen first-hand the detrimental effect of apathy, neglect, isolation, and marginalization. I’ve been moved by the Relational Center’s commitment to empathy, access, and care, regardless of one’s socio-economic status.

As we close out 2018 and consider our year-end giving, please join me in supporting The Relational Center’s Year-End Fundraising Appeal. This campaign is vitally important to the Center’s sustainability. Your generosity will support the Center in providing low-cost services to our neighbor's that are in need. Your gift of $25, $50, $100, or whatever you’re moved to give, supports change in our community. While single gifts are welcomed, can I also appeal to you to consider monthly giving? Your gift of $20 per month will provide 3 months of crisis counseling for a member. Your commitment to monthly giving is a wonderful way to ensures that no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.

Thanks, everyone.

Bennie

The Relational Center is a 501c3 nonprofit community organization, as such, your donations are fully tax-deductible.

Every year we host a year-end appeal that offers our supporters one last opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to The Relational Center before the end of the calendar year. Our goal for the 2018 year-end appeal is $30,000. These funds are critical for sustaining The Relational Center's community. With your support, we can continue to integrate individual healing and systemic cultural change through affordable comprehensive mental health services to low-income and marginalized folks. Help us build stronger, more empathic communities that can change the world!