LAPD Fulfills First CarePortal Request
In Los Angeles, California, the LAPD runs a program for youth ages 13 to 17 that empowers young people to pursue their dreams and build their self-confidence. Through this program called LAPD Cadets, Officers Madrid, De La Rosa, and De La Cruz came to know a teenage boy and his family.
“He’s a great kid,” says Officer Madrid. “Getting to know him better, we learned about certain things his family needed like a bed and a computer for connecting to online school.”
The officers also learned that the boy’s mother has breast cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The family of three live in a one-bedroom apartment and had only one mattress to sleep on. Mom and her two teenagers would take turns sleeping with two people on the bed and one on the floor. This was difficult for all, as mom was experiencing a lot of pain and the teenage boy is 6’2”.
With mom unable to work as she focuses on her health, the officers were determined to help this family. The LAPD had recently joined CarePortal and learned how to utilize the technology platform with the help of Domingo Mota, CarePortal Regional Manager in Southern California. They submitted their first request for a bunk bed, mattresses, a laptop, and a tablet so that the teenage boy could complete homework and the mom could access telehealth services. Just a few days later, the community responded by fulfilling the entire request.
“It was really simple, and we were amazed at how quick people and churches reached out and wanted to help,” says Officer De La Rosa.
Restored Church Los Angeles, Eagle Rock Baptist Church, Patrick McGinn, Winds of Hope Ministries, and North Park Community Church provided a Microsoft Surface laptop, a tablet, mattresses, bed sheets, and a bunk bed that includes a trundle to make it a triple bed – ideal for a tall teenage boy! Mom and her kids had huge smiles on their faces when the items were delivered to their home. Mom was extremely grateful and asks for continued prayers that God will bless her family.
“I had no idea that it was even ‘a thing’ for the LAPD to use the CarePortal platform to share the needs of people in our community,” says Ella, Mercy and Justice Coordinator with Restored Church. “It’s wonderful!”
“This program is amazing and is going to make such a huge impact in this family’s life. I’m really grateful that we got this opportunity,” says Officer De La Rosa.
Watch this video to meet the officers and the family:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svJSUuQhxTY
We are so inspired by the efforts of all to make life a little easier for this incredible family, and we thank God that these meaningful connections occurred. Learn how CarePortal can help your church respond to the real-time needs of children and families in your community on our website!
When we respond to CarePortal requests, we go expecting to meet a need, but often leave discovering that a need of ours has been revealed. There is always potential for transformation. This won’t happen every time, but the heart of CarePortal is this: to experience Jesus through real, meaningful connection with our neighbors.
