The AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center in Inglewood hosted a “Salute to Community Heroes,” on the last Saturday of  February. Beneath sunny skies the afternoon was filled with good will and fun for all.

Inglewood City councilmembers Ralph Franklin, Judy Dunlap and Danny Tabor were in attendance to celebrated the service of the honorees and support the outstanding services provided by AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center. 

 AbilityFirst board of directors chair Angela J. Reddock, Esq. introduced the honorees recognized by AbilityFirst for being individuals in the community who “give back” on a daily basis through their volunteer efforts in Inglewood and surrounding communities. The honorees included the delightful Los Angeles Dodgers legend “Sweet Lou” Johnson and The Stentorians, Los Angeles Black Firefighters Association. Lawrence Jackson, Seattle Seahawks defensive end and a native of Inglewood was also honored along with Mordena Moore, community leader and AbilityFirst board member; Deacon Rodney Weber, Holy Light Baptist Church in Los Angeles and Hattie Bell, AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center 30 year employee.

The fun included carnival-style games, creative activities, autographs, opportunity drawings and refreshments.  Winners of the drawing won VIP Los Angeles Clippers tickets,  gift baskets by Wendy Gladney and other fun prizes.

“In life volunteer services are the greatest activities, especially at a facility like the Mier Center, stated “Sweet Lou” Johnson.  “To live long enough to be called a legend and be able to represent the Dodgers is a blessing.  I appreciate the way the Inglewood community has reached out to everyone here today.”
 
 
The AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center provides programs and services to children and adults with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other neurological disorders. It is one of 24 AbilityFirst locations in Southern California. 
The AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center is located at 8090 Crenshaw Boulevard, between 80th and 81st Streets.  For additional information on the “Salute to Community Heroes” or programs available at the AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center, call Gwen Willis at (323) 753-3101, extension 104 or visit http://www.abilityfirst.org/.