A place for health, healing and connection 

“Thank you and thank God for putting angels in our community.” – Hilda Almanza

How the Community Resource Center provides health, support and hope every day

Hilda Almanza has lived in Boyle Heights for many years. When her husband, Robert, needed dialysis at Adventist Health White Memorial, she made taking him for treatment part of her regular routine. She would drop him off, then go for a long walk down Cesar Chavez Avenue. It was her way of passing the time. 

Then, one summer day in June 2021, everything changed. 

She dropped Robert off for dialysis when she heard music down the hall.  

“I heard beautiful music,” Almanza says. “I thought, ‘Oh, what’s going on?’” 

She followed the sound to the Community Resource Center (CRC). The door was open, and CRC Program Coordinator Araceli Marquez welcomed her inside. A Zumba class was in session, so she asked if she could join. The answer was yes. 

“That day, I didn’t stop,” she says. “It was a beautiful program.” 

That simple decision to step inside the CRC changed her life. 

A Place for Health, Healing and Connection 

Almanza, now 58 years old, had spent years caring for her husband, who had diabetes, before she learned about the CRC. His strict diet and portion control also became part of her daily life.  

But at the CRC, she learned even more about her overall health, thanks to the free classes offered there on diabetes management, Alzheimer’s prevention and mental health, which opened her eyes to new ways of taking care of herself. 

“I have made healthier choices every day that make me feel better,” she says. “I have learned so much about my body, my brain and how to keep my mind sharp.” 

She became more active, learned to manage her portions and made intentional choices to protect her health. 

Then, in October 2023, Robert passed away. Many people might have withdrawn. But her fellow CRC members made sure she was always cared for. 

“They called me almost every day to check on me,” Almanza says. “They asked how I was doing. They became my family.” 

Because of You, People Like Hilda Almanza Stay Healthy 

Almanza now attends classes four days a week. Zumba is still her favorite, but she also loves kickboxing. She has lost weight, feels stronger and chooses exercise over unhealthy habits. 

“Instead of going out to eat, I go to my exercise class,” she says. 

She believes the Community Resource Center is a treasure box of resources essential for the well-being of the community. When asked what impact it would have on the community if the CRC didn’t exist, she replied, “More diseases. Because a lot of people don’t know what they need to stay healthy.” 

And she wants you to know just how much she appreciates you. 

“Thank you and thank God for putting angels in our community,” Almanza says. “I love the Community Resource Center because what they’re doing is beautiful.” 

When you give, you help ensure that people like Almanza have access to life-changing programs. You provide free classes that teach healthy habits and strengthen mental health. You also help people stay active, prevent illness and find support when they need it most. 

Give today to keep families healthy and our community strong.