Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger today honored the Clergy Community Coalition, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and philanthropist Mr. Ed Lewis during the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing meeting.
The recognition celebrated the Coalition’s 20th anniversary and its ongoing work serving Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and surrounding communities. Supervisor Barger also highlighted the vital role of Congresswoman Waters in connecting the Coalition with Mr. Lewis, who contributed $100,000 to support faith leaders whose homes and churches were impacted by the Eaton Fire.
“The Clergy Community Coalition is a beacon of hope and strength for our region,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “For two decades, they’ve mobilized to serve those in need—whether during fires, economic hardship, or social unrest. I appreciate Congresswoman Waters for fostering the connection with Mr. Lewis. His generosity ensured that the faith leaders who give so much to our community were supported in their own time of need.”
Mr. Lewis, founder of Essence Magazine, provided his contribution after consulting with Congresswoman Waters, who recognized the Coalition’s deep community impact. The Clergy Community Coalition distributed the funds as $10,000 grants to 10 faith leaders who lost homes or churches, helping them stabilize and continue serving their congregations.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters stated “I am delighted and moved to be here for this very special moment. Supervisor Barger has shown extraordinary leadership for our community, particularly after the devastation in Altadena. The pastors and leaders you see here today are able to continue their work because of her dedication. When I reached out to Ed Lewis, a longtime friend and pioneer who has always uplifted our communities, I knew we could make a difference together.”
Mr. Ed Lewis reflected on his calling to provide support while standing on the dais, stating “I was deeply moved by what I saw after the Eaton Fire–and I wanted to help. This contribution came from the heart, and I’m honored to be recognized today.”
Pastor Mayra Macedo-Nolan, Executive Director of the Clergy Community Coalition, also spoke during the recognition. “Our Coalition has existed for 20 years, and when the Eaton Fire upended thousands of lives, we were inundated with calls for help,” Pastor Macedo-Nolan said. “Receiving support when we ourselves needed it has meant so much. We’re still rebuilding, and today’s recognition honors not only our work but the strength of the entire Coalition network of 250 organizations working in our communities.”
Supervisor Barger was joined in person today by Congresswoman Waters, Mr. Lewis, Pastor Macedo-Nolan, and numerous Coalition members who continue advancing its mission daily. The Clergy Community Coalition provides food, clothing, housing assistance, case management, small business support, and spiritual care—ensuring residents across the San Gabriel Valley can recover and thrive after crises.