In the heart of south Los Angeles, four siblings known as the Sisters of Watts have spent the last decade providing a vital lifeline to the families growing up on the same streets they once did. Their non-profit organisation, founded on a powerful sense of community duty, tackles issues from food insecurity to youth engagement, becoming a cornerstone of support in the Watts neighbourhood.
A Legacy of Community Service Rooted in Family
The drive to serve was instilled in Keisha and Robin Daniels, along with their sisters Jessica Crummie and Penny Daniels, during their childhood in the 1970s and 80s. Raised within Watts' 2.2 square miles, they were brought by their grandmother to church outings to feed unhoused people, while their mother was a "community mum" who welcomed everyone into their home. "We felt like there was a disconnect between families. They're not bonded like they used to be," explained Keisha Daniels, the COO of Sisters of Watts.
This familial ethos now fuels their mission. Their work is designed to give families time to connect while accessing crucial resources. A recent pre-Thanksgiving event in Ted Watkins Park exemplified this, where over 100 families enjoyed food, music, and games while bags of fresh produce were available for those in need.
Punching Above Their Weight: A Decade of Impact
For nearly ten years, the all-volunteer group has operated on a shoestring budget, sustained by personal funds, small donations, and sheer determination. Despite this, their impact is profound. They have organised countless giveaways, sponsored youth sports teams, and supported individuals facing domestic violence, homelessness, or reintegration after incarceration. "They stand in the gap for communities that don't have resources," said Mike Gipson, the local state assembly member and a Watts native, who presented the sisters with a formal recognition for their dedication.
Their most significant boost came in 2021 with a $100,000 grant from the Los Angeles Police Department's Community Safety Partnership programme. This funding allowed them to expand their 'Stay Fit' initiative, offer tutoring, family field trips, and stipends for volunteers. In 2024, they reached a major milestone by opening a community "safe house" on their childhood cul-de-sac, offering a space for homework, laundry, meals, and a "giving closet" for clothing.
Transforming Lives and Changing Perceptions
The sisters' work has catalysed personal transformations. Izell Leonard Sr., who spent over 20 years in prison, credits them with helping him rebuild his life. Upon his release in 2019, the sisters collaborated with another non-profit to buy him a commercial mixer, enabling him to launch a baking business. From selling goods on a street corner, he now supplies local schools and hospitals through his company, Tastebud Approved. "It's crazy but all of this derived from them embracing me when I first came home," Leonard stated.
John Jones III, CEO of the East Side Riders Bike Club, another local non-profit, has watched the sisters evolve from "eager young ladies" into community staples. He notes they have become an integral part of Watts's non-profit landscape, actively supporting other groups and leveraging their substantial social media following to amplify community efforts.
Despite their growth and accolades, including receiving the key to Watts, financial challenges persist. A recent temporary closure of their after-school programme highlighted their precarious funding, though community donations have promised a temporary reprieve. Nevertheless, Keisha Daniels reflects with pride on their journey. "We've done so much from the heart that now our names are not Keisha, Robin, Penny and Jessica. People just say: 'Hey, Sisters of Watts!'" she said, a testament to their brand becoming synonymous with hope and support in a community they have never left.
