Volunteers of East Los Angeles - VELA

Fresh fruits and vegetables are expected at farmers markets, but the organizers of the East Los Angeles Farmers Market, located just off the 60 freeway at the East L. A. Civic Center, provide their patrons with more than healthy food. VELA "The Light of the Community" is dedicated to addressing health-related issues that affect seniors, youth and the entire family. They've partnered with Breathe LA to help raise awareness of asthma and COPD and to provide people with information about treating and managing these conditions.

According to Josie Cervantes, VELA's Farmers Market and Healthier Lifestyle Program Manager, the community the market serves is so busy that they need to have a one-stop-shop when they do have time to go out. The health information given out at the farmers market fills a vital need in a community that is under-served by available health services. In addition, the regular presence of an organization like Breathe LA gives patrons a direct line to health information they can depend upon whenever they visit the market.

"We're in dire need of that kind of culturally relevant health information, where people are exposed to the same message over an over, and it sticks in their minds. The regular presence also makes them ask questions about what they've learned on other visits," offers Cervantes. "Our community has a need for this and Breathe LA has something to offer."

VELA's Healthier Lifestyle Program has no budget to bring in health experts, or create programs on youth and senior days. The program relies entirely upon the generosity of partners who care enough to try to make a difference in an underserved community and who have the bilingual staff that can address their target audience directly.

"I can't emphasize enough how important it is for me to have partnered with Breathe LA," Cervantes says. "These Breathe LA presentations are very valuable, and we're grateful."