The L.A. Drifters have distinguished themselves as a public service organization that advocates to improve the quality of life of youth, seniors and disabled persons in underserved communities of Los Angeles County.  For more than thirty-seven years, the chapter has supported through service and monetary donations many organizations and causes in our mission to “Strengthen our Families to Build Better Communities.”  Following is a snapshot of our various programs:

 

South Central Los Angeles Regional Center for Developmentally Disabled Persons, Inc. (SCLARC) 

Each year we donate Thanksgiving meals to families of disabled persons.

 

Florence Crittenton Center for Young Women

The L.A. Drifters supported the activities of young women and Infants for over twenty years (Including a seat on

the Board of Directors) before the group home closed its Los Angeles facility.

 

CORAL (Character-built, Original, Resolute, Aspiring, Leaders) Program

Fulfilling the Drifters National Theme to “Save our Children,” the CORAL (Character-built, Original, Resolute, Aspiring, Leaders) Program was established in 2016 to  further the universal image of womanhood by mentoring and sharing etiquette, sportsmanship and life skills with young girls between the ages of eight to seventeen (8-17).  These young ladies, affectionately referred to as “CORALs,” attend monthly meetings that are supported by Drifter members, community leaders, facilitators and parents.  CORALs enjoy field trips to local colleges and universities, museums  and recreational facilities (skating rinks, etc.) that enhance their exposure to the larger community.

 

View Park Convalescent Center

The L.A. Drifters have a twenty-year history of visiting residents of the View Park Convalescent Center.  Fully committed to our national theme “Assist our seniors,” we deliver gifts, sing Christmas carols and share hugs to and with the residents of View Park during the holiday season.

 

Chapter Scholarships Programs

The L.A. Drifters place special emphasis on education. Scholarships are earmarked for deserving minority seniors graduating from local area high schools.  To date, we’ve awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to assist students with college tuition, books and supplies.   We also grant a four-year memorial scholarship, named for deceased charter member, Leondra Boone which is usually awarded to the highest ranked scholarship applicant. 

 

Member Sponsored Scholarships

The Bernard Family Scholarship is sponsored by Drifter Erma Bernard Gibson and family; and is designated

for promising students often overlooked in the scholarship process.

 

The Pryor Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Scholarship is sponsored by Drifter Deborah Pryor

(a Chemical Engineer) and is awarded to a high school graduate pursuing a STEM degree.

 

Members of The L.A. Drifters often supplement scholarship awards with personal donations. 

 

Voter Education and Registration

L.A. Drifter members complete voter education and registration training and are on the front-line to encourage

Los Angeles County residents to register and vote each election year.