Through Backpack Giveaways and Community Safe House, Sisters of Watts Serves Neighborhood

With only a few weeks of summer vacation left for many children in Los Angeles, it's time to start preparing for the school year. And one resourceful organization wants to ensure that students succeed in their transition back to the classroom.

Sisters of Watts will hold its 9th annual Back to School Community Resource Fair next to Ted Watkins Memorial Park in South Los Angeles on August 3. With free admission for all, the fair features music, food, entertainment, and raffles as well as complimentary haircuts, health screenings, and resources to access community programs and services. Sisters of Watts will distribute 2,000 backpacks and 500 pairs of shoes to attendees. In addition, the first 300 families to arrive at the fair will receive a bag of groceries, courtesy of South LA Cafe. 

Founded in 2016 by siblings and Watts residents Robin and Keisha Daniels, Sisters of Watts offers senior services, youth development, food giveaways, community cleanup events, fitness classes, and more. 

Sisters of Watts recently purchased a house that is being reimagined as a space for families and can be used for community meetings, movie nights, and other activities. Across the street from the Daniels' childhood home and set to open later this year, the Community Safe House will feature a book-lending library, a computer-equipped study area and outdoor play space for children, and a laundry area and food pantry/kitchen for qualifying families. The house also will serve as additional office space for Sisters of Watts as it searches for new ways to serve the community.

GRoW is honored to continue its support of Sisters of Watts, which was among the 20 L.A. nonprofit organizations and community initiatives to receive a special grant from Kendrick Lamar.