As another year draws to an end, WLCAC prepares to celebrate its 45th Anniversary. Nearly 45 years ago Ted Watkins founded WLCAC with the mission of improving the quality of life for the residents of Watts and neighboring communities. That mission is not only still relevant today, but essential in the midst of the current state of the economy. As experts continue to debate whether or not the recession has ended…poverty, health disparities and unemployment continue to affect our community in real and disproportionate ways. And while billions of our tax dollars continue to be invested in liberating foreign countries from tyranny, far too little is being invested to end the wars raging in our own communities. It is time for change and we must be active participants in that change.

The year 2009 has been a year of great change and success for WLCAC. In October WLCAC was the host to a free H1N1 Flu vaccination event, the first of its kind in Watts.  WLCAC also has several departments that have continued to provide outstanding service; the homeless women’s shelter has consistently provided much needed mental health services, the MudTown Drum and Drill team has once again won 1st place honors in competition, and the success of the GRYD (Gang Reduction and Youth Development) programs has led to its expansion. As always, "great things are happening in Watts"!

As 2010 rolls around, we need to assure that great things continue to happen in Watts. I want to remind the community that our collective voice is the most powerful weapon we possess as advocates for change. Our voice carries the influence and power to demand positive transformation in our community! In 2010 the community will have an opportunity to use its voice by standing up to be counted in the Decennial Census. Only performed once every 10 years, the Census numbers reported will affect the number of dollars that are spent in our community.

The population totals are not just used to determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. The totals also affect Title I educational grants, head start programs, WIC centers, public transportation, road rehabilitation and reconstruction, programs for the elderly, emergency food and shelter and empowerment zones to name a few.  Also, corporations use data to determine commercial placements such as grocery stores.  None would argue that these are all essential resources needed to improve life in our community. The census is of utmost importance so we MUST stand up to be counted!