from the Executive Director,
Hector Lafarga, Jr.

I have also frequently been asked what brought me to Mothers' Club.   Well, having grown up in East Los Angeles, I am a product of a low income, at-risk environment, and I credit my mother as the most important force in my life. Through her attention and sacrifice, I received strong values, a good education and a positive future.That was the impetus for me to dedicate my career to serve and empower those that are most underserved in our communities - it's my passion and personal mission!

As Mothers’ Club celebrates its 50th Anniversary, it is evident that the dedication of our staff and supporters is the driving force that allows us to deliver our quality programs and make a significant impact in the lives of the families we serve.  In fact, in May 2011, we completed an evaluation of our morning program, in partnership with the Institute at Indian Hill of Claremont University Graduate School of Education, which revealed the following key findings:

• Both children and parents experience statistically significant increases in literacy levels.
• Children who have a longer tenure in the program experience even stronger increases in literacy.
• Parents report a higher number if literacy-related activities, including more time reading with their children, more books in the home and more visits to the library.
• Parents report a marked decrease in stress, and increased involvement with the community and their children’s education.
• Parents also demonstrate an increased understanding of their own child's developmental needs.

We are very proud of these significant findings, and as we look forward to 2012, some of our focus will be on;

• Pursuing a longitudinal study to discover what happens to our families beyond Mothers' Club;
• Expanding and strengthening our afternoon program; and
• Growing our volunteer and donor base.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, our staff and families, we invite you to visit Mothers' Club and consider volunteering and/or supporting our work.   Together, we can continue transforming the lives of the families in our community and ensure that Mothers' Club remains a healthy and vibrant organization for the next 50 years!

I am honored to lead Mothers' Club into the future, and like everyone else, "I am very happy to be here" and "I love this place!”   Thank you for your support.

Hector LaFarga, Jr.