First published in the Feb. 23 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu and local businessman Abel Ramirez will be honored at Families Forward Learning Center’s annual Soirée on Saturday, March 25.
The evening will be a celebration of Pasadena-based Families Forward providing free education and social services to low-income families with children from birth to 5 years old.
Chu has been in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2009, where she has consistently voted in support of increasing access to high-quality childcare and early learning, universal paid family and medical leave, and increased support for home visiting programs.
Ramirez is a former member of the center’s board of directors who continues to be a valued supporter of Families Forward. He is owner of the El Portal restaurant and Yahaira’s Café in Pasadena’s Playhouse District.
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U.S. Rep. Judy Chu -
Abel Ramirez
“This year’s soirée will be special as we celebrate all our amazing donors and volunteers whose hard work and generosity has helped us empower underserved families for more than 60 years, as well as honoring Rep. Chu and Mr. Ramirez,” said Elva Sandoval, executive director of Families Forward.
“As a dedicated supporter of Families Forward Learning Center for almost 15 years, I am honored to be attending the 2023 soirée in March,” said Chu. “The data and science couldn’t be clearer: Investments in a child’s health and learning during the first years of life — when a child’s brain is rapidly developing — leads to better academic and personal achievement that last a lifetime. I will continue fighting in Congress for universal access to child care and early childhood education, and to secure federal funding for vital services offered at Families Forward Learning Center and places like it.”
Serving Pasadena since 1961, Families Forward Learning Center services are based on a two-generation learning model that empowers both parents and children to gain knowledge and skills that improve outcomes for the entire family. FFLC ensures that children are safe, healthy and developmentally on-track, while enhancing parents’ skills, literacy and self-sufficiency so they can be active participants and advocates for their children’s education and their families. Families Forward Learning Center is located at 980 N. Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena.
Visit bit.ly/FFsoiree23 to become a sponsor or purchase tickets.
