Proyecto Pastoral
30 Years of Community Building in Boyle Heights
Our Mission
Proyecto Pastoral is an organization whose mission is to empower the community of Boyle Heights through grassroots projects in education, leadership, and service.
"I AM PART OF CEM for a better community, for my children and future grandchildren. It’s my major source of motivation.”
- Kenia Saucedo,
CEM Community Leader
Proyecto Pastoral was founded in 1986 by community residents in partnership with the California Province of Jesuits. Responding to critical needs in the community, the ‘founding women’ organized and created many of the initiatives we carry forth today. These include our IMPACTO youth programs, a childcare co-op that is now our Early Learning Centers, our leadership development and community organizing work, Comunidad en Movimiento/Community in Action, and the Guadalupe Homeless Project.
Together our founders built a vision for a better community, and worked together to support educational opportunities, economic opportunities and safety and well-being. As we reflect on 30 years of ‘working with our hearts for social change’, we carry forward this continued vision for a more just, empowered, healthy and safe community in which children and families can thrive.
Developing and supporting leaders within the community, and continuing to partner with the community in carrying forth their vision will guide our mission in the years to come.
News and Events
Learn what is happening at Proyecto Pastoral
Guadalupe Homeless Project Celebrates 5 years of Women's Shelter
We are so proud to celebrate the Guadalupe Homeless Project's 5th anniversary of the opening of its women’s shelter this month, and the 31st anniversary of its men’s shelter. The women’s shelter opened in 2014 to serve the highly vulnerable homeless population of elderly women over the age of 55, and is the only shelter of its kind in Los Angeles.
*Check out the recent news coverage of the shelters in the links below!
Homeless People in California: Sleeping Close to God- GHP featured in Maryknoll Magazine
The Guadalupe Homeless Project's Men's shelter was featured in Maryknoll Magazine this month.
"Dolores Mission first opened its doors to Salvadoran refugees fleeing their country’s violent civil war in the early 1980s. In 1986 the Jesuits of the California province who staffed the parish decided to join with local residents to address the needs in their community by establishing Proyecto Pastoral (Pastoral Project) at Dolores Mission. The project aims to empower the community through education, leadership and service and has initiated several programs to accomplish this goal. The Guadalupe Homeless Project, founded in 1988, is one of them. With financial assistance from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and private donations, and the help of hundreds of volunteers, the Guadalupe Homeless Project has become a beacon of hope each year for more than 400 men and women who have no place to stay."
To read the full article click the button below.
Get Involved
Join us on our mission to empower Boyle Heights.