At Maryvale, we are deeply committed to honoring and supporting cultural diversity. This dedication enriches our community and fosters a profound sense of belonging. We strive to connect with everyone’s beliefs and cultural traditions, recognizing that each culture brings unique values, practices, and perspectives.
By embracing this diversity, we create an inclusive environment where children and families feel seen, understood, and respected. Our programs are designed to celebrate these differences while fostering unity, ensuring that each individual’s cultural heritage is acknowledged and appreciated. Whether through multilingual services, culturally relevant education, or diverse holiday celebrations, Maryvale is committed to building a supportive community where everyone can thrive.
While Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition in the United States, marked by family gatherings, feasting, and gratitude, similar traditions exist across cultures worldwide that celebrate unity and thankfulness in diverse ways. Let’s explore these traditions and see how Maryvale continues the tradition of gratitude through our work.
Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims celebrated a successful harvest with the Wampanoag people, expressing gratitude and establishing a foundation of peace and unity. The holiday has since evolved, becoming a cherished national tradition. However, expressions of gratitude and unity are not exclusive to America. Around the globe, numerous cultures have unique ways of celebrating these values. For example, festivals like Canada’s Thanksgiving, Korea’s Chuseok, and India’s Pongal emphasize giving thanks for harvests, family, and community. These global traditions reflect the universal values of gratitude and togetherness, much like the work we continue at Maryvale.
In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of family reunions, mooncakes, and lantern displays. This festival, which usually falls in September or October, is rooted in celebrating the autumn harvest and expressing gratitude for the year's bounty.
Similarly, India's Pongal festival, celebrated in Tamil Nadu, spans four days in January. It involves boiling the first rice of the season as an offering to the Sun God, with families coming together to give thanks for the harvest and pray for future prosperity.
Germany's Erntedankfest, celebrated in late September or early October, resembles the American Thanksgiving. This traditional harvest festival comprises church services, parades, music, and local fairs. It's a time for Germans to show gratitude for the successful harvest and emphasize community sharing.
Chuseok is one of Korea's most significant holidays in late September or early October. Families honor their ancestors with feasts and rituals, sharing food, including rice cakes called "songpyeon." The celebration fosters familial bonds and community spirit, emphasizing gratitude and respect for heritage.
If you’re curious about many cultural traditions that resemble our beloved Thanksgiving, take a look at this Lat Multilingual article entitled "10 Ways Thanksgiving is Celebrated Across Cultures."
Maryvale has been a cornerstone of support for children and families in Los Angeles since 1856. As Los Angeles’ oldest children’s charity, we provide services focused on the diverse needs of our community. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, ensuring everyone can access the support regardless of adversity, beliefs, or background.
our early education and after-school programs are tailored to respect and incorporate the cultural backgrounds of the children we support. This fosters an appreciation for diversity from a young age, promoting understanding and respect for all cultures. At Maryvale, we believe that by celebrating our differences, we build a stronger, more united community where everyone can thrive.
At Maryvale, we understand the critical importance of mental health and are proud to offer community-based wraparound services that are both culturally sensitive and accessible. These services provide various alternatives for children and families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services. Our wraparound approach is client and family-driven, allowing children with complex and severe needs to remain in a family setting rather than in more restrictive environments.
Our wraparound teams are composed of the child and family, supported by a facilitator, child and family specialist, therapist, parent partner, and psychiatrist as needed. Our goal is to address the unique challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering comprehensive support and fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.
Thanksgiving and similar celebrations worldwide are potent reminders of the importance of gratitude, unity, and community. Maryvale relies on the generosity of our donors to continue supporting our mission and expanding our services. Donations have a profound impact, allowing us to offer critical programs and services to children and families in need.
As we approach the holiday season, we also welcome donations of wish list items that can bring joy and comfort to the children and families we serve. Your support helps us continue this vital work. Explore our website to discover more about our work and find out how you can make a difference