History
Local religious groups have sponsored chaplains for the LAC+USC Medical Center since it was founded, calling on their communities for aid.
In 1988, Chaplain Santos Ramos and Reverend Ann Mills asked for “angel churches” to help respond to urgent needs of patients whose hospitalization threatened the well-being of their families.
“Project Angel” was formed, operating under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It worked with patients referred by any of the then 15 Healthcare Network chaplains and clinical social workers.
As more people responded to their neighbor’s need, Angel Interfaith Network was born, incorporating as a nonprofit organization in 2001.
In 2004, Angel Interfaith Network became a member of the Healthcare Network’s Community Pastoral Care Advisory Association.
Over the years, Angel Interfaith Network has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Department of Spiritual Care LAC+USC Medical Center: CARES, the benevolence foundation which operates under the auspices of LAC+USC Medical Center; and the St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care, sharing resources and collaborating on donations of clothing, furniture, and other assistance to patients on an as-needed basis, by referral from the LAC+USC Medical Center staff.
In 2011, Angel Interfaith Network began operating as a separate project at the St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care. This enables Angel Interfaith Network, St. Camillus Center and LAC+USC Medical Center Department of Spiritual Care to work more closely together & reduce overhead costs. Angel Interfaith moved to the LAC+USC campus at 1100 N Mission Road and is now close at hand to better serve patients and their families.
What Do We Do?
We provide direct services to patients and their families in response to chaplains, social workers, and medical staff who identify and refer urgent or unmet needs.
- Emergency food certificates, eviction prevention and utilities maintenance, and emergency shelter.
- New baby needs including clothing, supplies, strollers, cribs, and car seats for infants and toddlers.
- School uniforms that allow children to attend classes.
- Hygiene kits, sweats and socks for homeless patients.
- Interfaith spiritual care based on patients’ expressed needs.