Barger Commends African American Faith Groups for Heroic Eaton Fire Relief During Black History Month

Supervisor Barger poses with several leaders from faith-based organizations honored today (Photo credit: Bryan Chan/L.A. County)

In honor of Black History Month, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger today recognized five African American faith-based institutions for their outstanding contributions to wildfire relief efforts following the devastating Eaton Fire.

First AME Church Pasadena, Lifeline Fellowship Church, LIFT International Church, New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church and Victory Bible Church each received a commemorative scroll in honor of their vital support to Altadena Fire survivors. During an extreme time of crisis and turmoil for thousands of individuals, these organizations offered food, distributed clothes, provided financial aid, and supplied laptops to wildfire victims.

“These leaders and communities of faith demonstrated exceptional compassion and dedication during a dark chapter in Los Angeles County’s history,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said. “Their efforts highlight the crucial role faith-based organizations play in supporting our communities during times of crisis. In honor of Black History Month, I’m proud to be joined by these amazing faith-based institutions who’ve been working hard and offering support to my constituents in their time of greatest need.”

Supervisor Barger thanks Bishop Charles Dorsey for Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center’s service to Eaton Fire survivors during the Board of Supervisors meeting (Photo credit: Bryan Chan/L.A. County)

The following faith leaders received a scroll from Supervisor Barger as a formal acknowledgment of their institutions’ selfless service and celebration of their unwavering commitment to the community: Reverend Larry Campbell for First AME Church Pasadena; Bishop Charles Dorsey for Lifeline Fellowship Church; Pastor Anthony McFarland for LIFT International Church; Reverend Dr. George E. Hurtt for New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church; and Pastor Jon DeCuir for Victory Bible Church.

The following are comments made by Supervisor Barger as she recognized each honoree:

 First AME Church Pasadena

“I’d like to recognize First African Methodist Episcopal Church Pasadena, represented by Reverend Dr. Larry E. Campbell. First AME is the oldest African American church in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. In January, I was proud to join them and more than 10 other AME churches from across the nation for a press conference to discuss the importance of government, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, foundations, and corporations partnering with churches to help the African American community rebuild and recover. First AME is focused on holistic support that meets the mental, financial, legal, and housing needs of the community. The church continues to equip residents with personal supplies, crucial rebuilding information, rent and mortgage assistance, pro bono legal clinics, and emotional and spiritual support. They’ve opened up their space for residents to do laundry, eat lunch every day, and receive mental health services. Additionally, First AME is in the process of planning long-term financial support for congregants and community members. They’re focused on targeted outreach for seniors to help them rebuild in the community, and working to assist residents with land trusts in partnership with key community leaders. First AME, thank you for your deep roots in the community, and for ensuring its rich history is preserved.”

Supervisor Barger poses with leaders from First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pasadena last month (Photo credit: Diandra Jay/L.A. County)

LIFT International Church

“I’d like to recognize LIFT International, represented by Pastors Anthony and Micheline McFarland. Though the McFarlands tragically lost their own home in the fire, they’ve not hesitated to offer support to fellow residents. They’ve served more than 3,000 individuals between both the Eaton and Palisades Fires at their crisis center. Their team is providing residents with financial support to cover housing, food, and clothing needs. They’ve also ensured families have access to household items like furniture, appliances, and air purifiers, as well as hundreds of boxes full of toiletries. To meet the emotional needs of those they’re serving, they’ve partnered with D’Veal Family and Youth Services to provide counseling services. Because the recovery process can be tedious, they set up an incredible Senior Support Program to match seniors with younger adults to assist them with navigating all the paperwork they have to fill out. Additionally, they’ve created an Adopt a Family campaign where volunteers can provide their neighbors in need with support for the next 12 to 24 months. These volunteers will assist with basic necessities, offer emotional support, help with financial assistance for both temporary and long-term needs, and serve as a liaison for the church to stay updated about each family’s housing needs. Thank you, LIFT International, for the incredible work you’re doing to provide tangible support for our neighbors for the long-haul.”

Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center

“I’d like to recognize Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center, represented by Bishop Charles Dorsey and Dr. Lisa Dorsey. Sadly, Lifeline’s building was completely destroyed in the Eaton Fire, but that hasn’t stopped them from being a beacon of hope for their community. When resources are strained, many families are put in the difficult position of deciding which bills to pay. Lifeline has been committed to providing food, clothing, and temporary housing for those who’ve been displaced. Because the church is covering these costs, it alleviates a heavy burden so families can pay their bills and preserve their dignity. Even before the fires, the church served 400 people in need every month. As Bishop Charles Dorsey said, their building may be gone, but their mission remains. Thank you, Lifeline, for remaining steadfast in your commitment to serve the community.”

Supervisor Barger discusses disaster relief with Rev. Dr. George E. Hurtt onsite at New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church last month (Photo credit: Michael Baker/L.A. County)

New Revelation Missionary Baptist

“I’d like to recognize New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, represented by Reverend Dr. George E. Hurtt. I’ve had the great privilege of visiting New Revelation and seeing the work they have underway firsthand. Their team stood up an incredible assistance center that brought together nonprofits, private partners, and government agencies to offer residents support. Onsite, residents and businesses could access help from the Los Angeles Urban League, She Ready Foundation, Special Needs Network, and our L.A. County Internal Services Department. Survivors were able to get everything from clothing to luggage to laptops. They’ve also had assistance workshops to help attendees navigate the complicated SBA and FEMA process. The church budgeted more than $50,000 each week to provide essential resources and three hot meals a day, transforming their campus into a one-stop shop for help 12 hours a day. They continued to engage the community with family fun days, free haircuts and braiding services, lunch and learn sessions, and even a Super Bowl party to bring some joy in the midst of a difficult time. Looking ahead, they’re planning to give away cars, gas, and air purifiers, and host a comedy show, a finance conference, a brunch honoring caregivers and educators, and a fundraising dinner to support their $1 million budget to keep up their good work through next fiscal year. My deepest thanks to New Revelation for your heartfelt and hard work, and your collaborative spirit that brought resources together for our neighbors.”

A disaster relief supply area for Eaton Fire survivors located at New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church (Photo credit: Michael Baker/L.A. County)

Victory Bible Church

“And last, but certainly not least, I’d like to recognize Victory Bible Church, represented by Pastor Jon DeCuir. The church has done an incredible job of connecting residents with the support they need to navigate everyday life. They’ve generously covered the cost of cars, school admission, legal services, counseling, and everyday items. This financial support has been life changing for local families. They’ve also hosted workshops and community meetings to ensure residents have the information they deserve. Pastor DeCuir has been a strong voice in the aftermath of the fire, serving as a trusted ambassador and voice for the community across the country. He’s also one of the members of a group assisting residents with land trusts to ensure African American families can secure generational wealth. Victory Bible Church, I appreciate your advocacy and commitment to our community.”