Sisters of Watts Open Community Offering Resources And A Safe Space

Watts, California--On International Women’s Day, the Sisters of Watts hosted the grand opening of their long-awaited community house, marking a significant milestone in their mission to provide support and resources to the children and families in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The event celebrated not only the accomplishments of the organization but also the strength of women coming together to uplift their community.

Founded by two sisters, Robbie and Keisha, Sisters of Watts was established with the goal of fostering a strong sense of community and providing essential resources for families in one of LA’s historically underserved areas. The organization’s new community house is a beacon of hope and empowerment for the residents of Watts, offering a variety of services designed to meet the needs of local families.

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The home features several key spaces, each designed to address specific challenges faced by families in the area. A designated pantry and giving closet will provide food, clothing, and baby supplies to those in need. The community house also includes a library, a dedicated arts and crafts room, and a homework center, giving children a safe and creative space to learn and grow. For physical activity, the property boasts a large backyard complete with a basketball court, offering a space for kids to engage in recreational sports and stay active.

The property was made possible thanks to the generosity of a neighbor who lived across the street from the mother of the founders. Upon learning of the Sisters of Watts’ mission, the neighbor offered to remove the property from the market, giving the organization the opportunity to purchase it. This gesture of kindness was instrumental in turning the dream of a permanent community space into a reality.

The opening day was filled with celebrations, including a lively performance by the cheer squad sponsored by Sisters of Watts, further showcasing the organization’s commitment to empowering young people in the community. In addition to the festivities, nonprofit partner Support and Feed provided fresh produce bags, and a local vegan vendor served delicious plant-based meals, underscoring the importance of providing nutritious options to those in need. The event was a testament to the power of community collaboration and the vital role women play in driving change.

For decades, Watts has struggled with disinvestment, a lack of access to healthy food, and economic challenges that have hindered its growth and development. These issues can be traced back to the 1965 Watts Riots, an event that highlighted the deep-seated inequities in the area. Sisters of Watts aims to address these issues by providing tangible resources and a sense of belonging to local families. However, the organization’s work is not done, and they continue to need support from both the community and philanthropic organizations.

The Sisters of Watts community house has also benefited from the mentorship of local institutions, including UCLA and USC, who have supported the organization through research, grants, and leadership development programs. One of the key supporters has been the Leadership Institute at UCLA, which helped guide Robbie and Keisha through the process of securing the property and developing their nonprofit’s mission.

Despite the progress made, Sisters of Watts is still in the process of securing the purchase of the property. While they currently operate on a monthly rental basis, they are working tirelessly to raise the funds necessary for the long-term purchase and sustainability of the space. A generous $7,500 donation from The Chain Reaction will help fund renovations, but much more is needed for the community house to serve a permanent resource for the families it serves.

Visit and support Sisters of Watts

The opening of the Sisters of Watts community house on International Women’s Day was more than just the debut of a new space—it was a powerful demonstration of the difference that local nonprofits can make in communities that have long been overlooked. The event highlighted the importance of support, mentorship, and collaboration in creating lasting change. As the Sisters of Watts continue their journey, they remain committed to serving the residents of Watts, and they are hopeful that further donations and support will help them secure the future of their mission.