Check Out Lori Calvillo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Calvillo

Lori, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Mid-City, Los Angeles to a very hard working familia. My parents instilled a deep sense of prioritizing education, hard work and community. I enjoyed school and being a part of different clubs/orgs while at school. It was in the 9th grade that I realized I really enjoyed helping others. I was a peer mentor to younger students at my high school. Fast forward to graduating from Cal State Northridge, I was at a crossroads as to what path I would take. I remember having a conversation with my father as I struggled between applying to law school or joining the workforce. He asked me, ” What is something you would be happy to do everyday.. for free?” It was in that moment that everything clicked! All throughout my undergraduate career I was a part of a program called MOSAIC (Mentoring to Overcome Struggles And Inspire Courage) which mentored “at-risk” youth within the San Fernando Valley. This was the pivotal moment that completely shifted my trajectory and I decided to pursue my Masters of Social Work at USC. I vividly recall sitting in a room of social workers all motivated and passionate to create positive change and knowing I was exactly where I needed to be. I am currently the FSC Program Director at El Centro de Ayuda, a nonprofit in Boyle Heights that supports Angelenos to become economically self-sufficient. Even on the toughest of days I am so proud and happy to be a part of an agency that prioritizes quality care and humanity to its participants whether it be assisting through food, eviction prevention, or financial coaching. I have the privilege of supervising an amazing team of change agents who value and understand the importance of working to end poverty.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely been a bumpy road! However, I truly believe it was the struggles and challenges that have shaped who I am today. Some of the struggles I encountered along the way were navigating through higher education as a first gen Chicana. I am very lucky to have had older siblings who helped pave the way for me and are always lending their support and encouragement.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the FSC Program Director at a nonprofit in Boyle Heights called El Centro de Ayuda. We specialize in case management, financial coaching and housing stability services for City of LA residents. Many Angelenos continue to struggle to gather their bearings in this post-COVID time we are living in. Our case management team supports families to navigate through the different systems in the efforts to stabilize a family, prevent homelessness and build intergenerational wealth. Working at El Centro de Ayuda, I have many things that I am proud of. On any given day the resiliency that the families we serve have to persevere and improve their situation keeps me in awe. I am very proud of our team who genuinely care about the people we serve and provide services with dignity, grace and respect.

How do you think about happiness?
One of the things I practice daily is gratitude. I find that staying in a space of gratitude is what allows me to be happy. I take joy in the small things daily that we can take for granted. I feel that everyday is an opportunity to make this place better for the next person. I am surrounded by a loving family, nurturing friends and supportive partner. It may sound cheesy, but there is a scene in an old Christmas movie called, “It’s a wonderful life” that depicts the ultimate joy in having a village navigate through life with you. I can honestly say my village is always there. I feel grateful to be able to have found my passion for social work, to be able to practice social work as a career and uplift others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elcentrodeayuda.org
• Instagram: @el.centro.de.ayuda
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/El-Centro-de-Ayuda/100064581699567/?locale=es_LA
• Twitter: @centro_ayuda

Image Credits
Luisa Garcia
Sekou Sangare