It's the middle of November and there's a widespread feeling of being caught
somewhere between the old and the new. That's as true at L.A. County + USC Medical
Center as it is anywhere else in the country in these days. The move to new buildings
has been largely accomplished now, but it looks like there will still be some running
back and forth for many staff, including the Department of Pastoral Care. That iconic
75 year-old structure still casts a powerful shadow over much of the community. See
Hector Becerra's unique neighborhood perspective from the L.A. Times by clicking
here.
On November 18th the Fall term graduating class of Clinical Pastoral Education
students will gather in the second floor chapel in the new building. We judge that by
November 20th, LAC + USC folks will be settled enough to consider joining AIN in a
daylong celebration at the San Antonio Winery. Why don't you join us too? Proceeds
will benefit AIN, and the food and wine are a 90-year Los Angeles tradition. What
better combination could there possibly be?
Click here for a glimpse of the festivities at last month's "Celebrating What We Do
Together" benefit luncheon. Our thanks to all who contributed to making it a smashing
success!
Rev. Donald L. Smith,
Executive Director
Discover a Hidden Treasure
Not far from LAC + USC Medical Center, hidden on the edge of downtown Los Angeles, is a cultural and historical landmark. Founded by Santo Cambianica in 1917, the San Antonio Winery and Maddalena Restaurant on Lamar Street is the last of more than 100 wineries that once lined the Los Angeles River basin.
On THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20th Angel Interfaith Network invites its friends to discover this hidden treasure and enjoy an incomparable dining experience among the aging casks which line the walls. By then the dust will have settled from the big move of LAC + USC Medical Center to its new buildings, and a new era in healthcare will be underway. We extend a special invitation to hospital staff to celebrate the achievement. The Riboli family has generously offered 15% of purchases of lunch, dinner, wine or gifts by our friends to benefit AIN.
Friends of AIN from more distant corners of Los Angeles are welcome to celebrate occasions of their own or to join us in a toast to the new LAC + USC buildings and the state-of-the-art care they represent. Celebrate with us on Lamar Street November 20th and give Angel Interfaith Network a welcome boost as it closes its twentieth year of service to patients and families of L.A. County + USC Medical Center.
Click here to download an informational flyer.
Alone in a Strange Land
 When the time came for a Caesarean delivery of Marion’s baby boy last month, AIN Care Coordinator Ann Mills was by her side offering encouragement and support. It was a difficult journey getting to that point for the Nigerian immigrant woman.
She left one child with her mother in Nigeria as she and her clergyman husband embarked on what she thought would be a short vacation visiting sister congregations in Los Angeles. Marion was pregnant with a second child and would soon not be able to fly. Soon after arrival in Los Angeles, Marion and her husband had a misunderstanding and he abandoned her.
A social worker called Angel Interfaith Network requesting food certificates, maternity clothing and a home visit. Ann approached a small back house surrounded by old cars, sports equipment and men’s clothing. The door opened and she was greeted by a subdued but beautiful young woman in traditional Nigerian dress. She had not heard from her husband in a month. Someone in the sister congregation put her in touch with a Roman Catholic Nigerian family who offered her the back house to stay in until the baby arrived.
Marion had no car, no cash and no means of support. She was receiving prenatal care and moral support from the staff at LAC + USC Medical Center. She asked Ann for a Bible, saying, “I know I can get through this if I can read my Bible.” Ann and Marion prayed for guidance, for protection and for Marion’s absent husband. Leaving maternity clothes behind for Marion to try on, Ann promised to return. The next day she brought a Woman’s Study Bible, bus tokens, two nursing bras and international and domestic postage stamps. Throughout the remaining time of Marion’s pregnancy Ann worked to enlist a variety of neighboring congregations to offer regular support.
When her due date finally arrived, Marion knew who she needed. She called Angel Interfaith Network.
AIN Holiday Opportunities
 “Buy a Llama for your Mama!,” proclaims the flyer for the Alternative Gift Market at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena. This will be the first year that Angel Interfaith Network participates in this congregation’s gift market, along with organizations like Heifer Project, Homeboy Industries and Third World Handarts. We’ve added some new congregations to this year’s holiday lineup. Click here to see a calendar of markets where you can find Angel Interfaith Network represented. The markets offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season with a gift to Angel Interfaith Network in honor of a loved one.
Several of the markets will feature an all-new AIN Christmas card, adorned with the Angel Interfaith Network logo in a design contributed by Altadena artist Steve Smith. You can also download and print your own copy of the card from our website by clicking here. Then just send in your contribution to AIN in honor of a special family member or friend. Cards for Hannukah and other special occasions are now also available for downloading and printing when you visit the AIN website.
Through the generosity of St. Camillus Center for Pastoral Care, another artistic offering is still available for purchase this holiday season, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting AIN. John August Swanson’s print of “Power to the People” attracted much interest in the August of the newsletter. A copy is still available in the AIN office, or you may click here to visit Swanson’s website for more information about this meaningful and creative piece. Call Father Chris Ponnet at 323-225-4461 x221 to obtain more information and place your order.
If you wish to make a more active and personal contribution to AIN’s ministry this holiday season, there is no better way than helping us deliver Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts. Thanksgiving deliveries are scheduled for 11/24 – 11/26. Christmas deliveries will happen 12/17 – 12/21.
During the holiday season AIN always makes new friends and discovers sources of support which will benefit patients all year long. Our deep thanks for all you do to help Angel Interfaith Network reach LAC + USC patients and families with neighbor-to- neighbor support at this season and throughout the year. |
