WHO IS LEELA

Leela, the grandmother of Executive Director Dominick Verrette, was born in Tellicherry in the state of Kerala, South India on June 18, 1932. In 1968, Leela immigrated to the United States to further her postgraduate studies in Sociology and joined the faculty of Azusa Pacific Christian College, teaching there for years.

Leela also served as the Executive Director of the San Pedro YMCA during the 1970’s and 1980’s. In 1985 she left the YMCA to pursue a new career as the Director of Development for the Torrance Medical Center; later she moved on to become the Director of Social Services at St. Erne Sanitarium, overseeing the treatment of patients, in 1991.

Leela lived the life of a true Christian, always giving, thinking and placing the needs of others and those less fortunate than herself before her own. Through her influence and impact, our Executive Director and Founder Dominick, envisioned continuing her legacy of serving his community in honor of her life’s work. His vision has come to life, now serving the Inland Empire and greater Los Angeles area.