Eye Glass Project for School Children

The children of the working poor, who are not eligible for state funded programs like “MediCal”, find it difficult to obtain eye care. While some privately funded free clinics are available to provide eye examinations, it is often not possible even for the most visually impaired of these children to obtain eyeglasses. Recognizing the need for this service and working through the St. Joseph Center in Venice, California, the World Family Foundation has made eye exams and eyeglasses available, not only to the children, but also to the parents of approximately 800 indigent families. Local optometrists and ophthalmologists provide these services on a continuing basis by offering eye clinics at the St. Joseph Center. Eyeglasses are made available at no charge through the professional and financial support of local opticians.

Mary Madden, one of the World Family Foundation volunteers, is shown with one of the children during a vision screening at St. Joseph's Center in Venice, California. Working through the St. Joseph's Center, the World Family Foundation has made eye exams and eyeglasses available, not only to the children, but also to the parents of approximately 800 indigent families.

English as a Second Language Classes

After identifying the need for an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the St. Joseph Center, the World Family Foundation raised funds to support the program and conducted a search for teachers. Santa Monica College proved to be an invaluable resource for the program. Under the direction of Dr. Lupita Tannatt, Santa Monica College generously shared its expertise with the staff at the St. Joseph Center and provided experienced ESL teachers at no charge. The courses are offered four days a week at St. Joseph’s. Childcare, supervised by St. Joseph staff members, is available during the classes. The ESL program is divided into several levels of competency and within each level there are milestones of proficiency. Through a grant from the World Family Foundation, students who successfully reach established milestones of proficiency are awarded stipends. These stipends, which roughly are equivalent to a standard minimum wage for the time spent in class, encourage the students to attend the classes regularly and continue to progress from one level of competency to the next.

The World Family Foundation helped to initiate the English as a second language program at The St. Joseph Center in Venice, California. Through a grant from the Foundation, students who progress in the program receive a stipend. This stipend helps encourage students to attend classes regularly and continue to work toward greater proficiency in English.