.png)
Veronica L.
A community oriented parent of a small child. I have a background in many areas from dance to engineering to leadership.
Why This Work Matters
During after the fires all I could think of was finding ways to help our community survive, navigate, heal, and commune. I really appreciate that this organization makes space for Spirit in our conversations and culture.
On culturally responsive care: Community rooted care to me means valuing and prioritizing actions that protect, strengthen, and reunite communities. Since every culture within a community has unique needs, being responsive to that individuality means getting to know people well and making a point to really hear them and their needs.
Connection to Altadena
The history of art and artists local to Altadena, the strength of community, the diversity and the preservation of the stories and people who made Altadena.
Meaningful tradition: Charles white, the mausoleum, loma alta park, farnsworth park, cheney trail.
In my work: I love our community so much, every person I meet is another opportunity to expand my connection to Altadena.
A Defining Moment
I spoke with a resident once who had received financial support but because she didn’t speak English quite well enough, and didn’t have the technology experience, had not realized that she had been given something. There are many resources out there trying to reach people, part of our work is about making sure the things we already have are getting to the folks who need it.
How this shapes my work: This moment was a great reminder that none of us jas to do everything for everyone. Just by showing up and doing our best we can with our part makes a difference.
Vision for the Future
My hope for Altadena: I hope we can retain the things that make Altadena beautiful, the care for nature, art, and each other, and strengthen the intentionality with which we form community across our town.
What I hope families feel: I hope families feel that their neighbors care for them.
Bringing to the Work
Strengths: I love our community! I’m persistent, and flexible. I enjoy getting things done for others even when it doesn’t work out the first or second (or five!) times!
On collaboration: Being a care manager means that I am responsible for providing care; not just services but caring personally myself and using that feeling to do my best for people, inside and out of this organization.
Beyond the Work
What brings me joy: Making art with my child, cooking/baking with friends, going to parks, putting together puzzles.
Favorite genres: Comedy
When not volunteering: Taking care of my child and family and our community. Teaching exercise classes.
Fun fact: For a little bit I was a teacher’s assistant at loma alta elementary.
Words I live by: "This morning when I rose y’all I didn’t have no doubt."