Ascencia, a Glendale-based non-profit organization which offers transitional and permanent supportive housing to the homeless, welcomed a team of Las Candelas ladies on Monday, May 23 for their inaugural visit as guest chefs. The six Las Candelas members created a South of the Border dinner experience for the clients, serving taco boats with chicken, beef, rice, beans, guacamole and all the trimmings. The meal was topped off with delicious and colorful mini-cupcakes. The appreciative residents of the shelter, who range in age from one year to 65-plus, came back for seconds and announced that they enjoyed having “Taco Tuesday on Monday.”

The team of Las Candelas ladies was led by 2nd VP Nancy Stone. Joining her were Membership Chair Debbie Hinckley, Parliamentarian Jeannie Flint, Secretary Cathy Keen, Benefit Chair JC Byer and newly inducted member Karen Swan. The South of the Border meal was the first of four dinners Las Candelas will serve this year in Ascencia’s guest chef program, which invites non-profits, corporate groups and families to bring meals to the facility on a daily basis.

Las Candelas is a Glendale-based organization, consisting of 40 active members. Its purpose is to give volunteer service and financial support to children and youth in vulnerable situations to help improve their lives. Las Candelas recently adopted Ascencia’s children as one of their philanthropic efforts. The ladies also provide programs for the children at Hillsides in Pasadena and Hathaway-Sycamores in Altadena and financial assistance to Didi Hirsch, the YWCA and Glendale Healthy Kids. The group was organized in 1953 and incorporated in 1955.