The Board members were: Dr. Nabil El Sayad, Betty El Sayad, Ida Ramirez, Deacon Frank Dieter and Tony Vallejo. A Learning Center for disadvantaged youths was established at 1626 North Avalon Boulevard, Wilmington. Development of marketable skills was the emphasis: competency in English, self-awareness and self-esteem courses, and training in computer technology both construction and programming. L
ater on, the Foundation provided seniors in need of physical therapy with sessions in the nearby Adult Daycare Center. Early in this millennium Saint Mary's Foundation shifted its attention to needy senior citizens, coming daily to Dr. El Sayad's medical office, who were suffering from hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and other debilitating ailments. A dream was born: provide a physical therapy center where ALL poor, underprivileged seniors could avail of regular physical therapy for FREE. Land was purchased at 1380 North Broad Avenue, Wilmington. Bishop Joseph Sartoris, Councilman Rudy Svornich joined Dr. El Sayad and the Board in the blessing of this land. The land was cleared; the capped oil well checked; architects drawings were made. Fundraising began in earnest and it proved very challenging. Official Blessing and Dedication of the lot on N and Broad Ave. Wilmington. Los Angeles City Councilman, Rudy Svornich, presents Dr. El Sayad with a certificate from the city. Bishop Joseph Sartoris, far left, looks on approvingly. In 2003 Saint Mary's Foundation connected with Tzu Chi Foundation USA through Ss.Peter and Paul Poverty Program. They shared our dream and were hoping to reach out to the people of Wilmington and the surrounding areas. After many meetings Tzu Chi purchased the Broad Avenue lot from us, and joint planning began to build a facility which would provide free physical therapy and dental service to the needy elderly of Wilmington and the surrounding areas. MOBILE DENTAL CLINIC
The first Wednesday of every month during 2007 the Tzu Chi Foundation brought its Mobile Dental Clinic to Wilmington. From 9:00 am - 3:00 pm needy people came for dental care. For some, this was their first visit to a dentist! Under the direction of Sister Ena Maguire and Sheila Liao, volunteers from Saint Mary's and Tzu Chi worked together to ensure smooth operation of the day. Dentists and Dental Assistants volunteered their expertise and bilingual helpers were invaluable aides. Extractions, fillings and cleanings were the most common services. Education in oral hygiene was provided.
