ReEmployAbility works in conjunction with over 40,000 Not-for-Profit partners around the country to provide services to our clients through the Transition2Work® Return-to-Work program. Every month ReEmployAbility selects a Not-for-Profit within our network to highlight the history of the organization and how it impacts the local community. For August, we would like to spotlight the not-for-profit Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum, for preserving the rich history of the first Spanish settlers in California.
The History of Rancho San Pedro
In 1784, Rancho San Pedro became the site of the first Spanish land grant in California bestowed upon Juan Jose Dominguez by King Carlos III. Originally the land grant encompassed 75,000 acres, including the entire Los Angeles Harbor. Passed down through generations, the land has remained in the Dominguez family. Today, the descendants operate the Watson Land Company and the Carson Estates Company on the original Rancho land. Throughout the lifetimes of influential Dominguez descendants, the land has experienced many trials and tribulations, from war to becoming a part of aviation history in the early 1900s. As the value of the land steadily increased as the years went by, the Dominguez family resisted selling the land, preferring instead to lease parcels and retain ownership.
In 2000, The Friends of Rancho San Pedro were formed to preserve the history of Dominguez Rancho Adobe, through renovation and repair. Today Dominguez Family descendants continue to support The Friends of Rancho San Pedro with its mission to “preserve and increase community awareness of the Dominguez family, Homestead adobe, and the Rancho San Pedro, the first Spanish land grant in California”. Through educational programs and the operation of the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum, the organization’s mission continues to fulfill its purpose within the community.
Click the link to learn more about the History of Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum
Transition2Work® Provides Aid to Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum
ReEmployAbility worked alongside the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum Executive Director Luis Fernandez and Assistant Director Aramis Sandoval to get a better understanding of the impact and goals of the nonprofit, and how ReEmployAbility’s Transition2Work program assists along the way.
Transition2Work participants aid wherever their medical restrictions permit, but that doesn’t prevent them from making a large contribution to our partnered nonprofit Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum. Aramis describes that “with the aid of Transition2Work participants and our garden committee, our gardens have been thoroughly watered and taken care of for the first time since their inception.” Through light gardening work, their gardens have now produced various fruits, vegetables, and flowers that help educate visitors on environmental awareness and early California history.
When asked how their organization has benefitted from its involvement with the Transition2Work program, they explain that “Transition2Work has provided hard-working volunteers that make the day-to-day operations of the museum run more smoothly. From working in any one of our three gardens to helping with clerical work, the Transition2Work participants have helped our staff accomplish various projects for the museum.” With Transition2Work there is always a win-win situation! The injured workers who participate in the program get the benefit of working in an environment that is described as a “healing haven”. Working in lush garden spaces, with a supportive staff, the Transition2Work participants have all the necessary tools to work towards helping the museum thrive, while focusing on a safe and speedy recovery.
The Battle of Dominguez Hall Re-Enactment
This organization seeks to educate the public on early California history and the Dominguez family’s role in this history. This is done through operating the museum and putting on programming for the public at no cost. Besides an amazing tour through the museum, the historic Rancho organizes special events to draw the crowd.
This October, the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum will be hosting the re-enactment of the Battle of Dominguez Hill. The organization will commemorate the 176th Anniversary of the battle that originally took place on October 8, 1846. In addition to the re-enactment, the event will consist of various educational activities for all to enjoy.
To learn more about the re-enactment and the history of the Battle of Dominguez Hill follow the link.
Visit www.dominguezrancho.org to learn more about this nonprofit and how to support their cause.
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