Supervisor Gloria Molina, YWCA Greater Los Angeles and East L.A. Community Celebrate the House t
Date: Saturday May 15, 2010
Time: 10:00 am
Location: 4315 Union Pacific Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90023
Website:
EAST LOS ANGELES (May 24, 2010) - Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and YWCA Greater Los Angeles CEO Faye Washington were joined by several East Los Angeles residents and dignitaries, including legendary community organizer Dolores Huerta and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Allard to dedicate the new YWCA Greater Los Angeles Union Pacific Empowerment Center (UPEC) during a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony and neighborhood block party at 4315 Union Pacific Avenue, East L.A. 90023 on Saturday, May 15, 2010.
"We are proud of the involvement of our East Los Angeles residents who helped shape this model, state-of-the-art Empowerment and Child Care center," said Molina. "The comprehensive programs and services offered by the YWCA Greater Los Angeles in this culturally empowering facility will enrich the lives of our community's children and families."
The event kicked off with the official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony and proceeded with a festive lineup of activities and attractions including face painting, free food, live performances, special appearances, vendor booths, cooking demonstrations and tours of the UPEC facility. Washington welcomed a capacity crowd of supporters and East LA residents. To a cheering audience, Washington said, "Welcome to Union Pacific Empowerment Center; the house that girls built!" Special supporters gathered to see the beautiful facility including corporate partners, Edison International, Wells Fargo, Walton Construction and ING. Guests enjoyed live performances by the Garfield High School Mariachi Band, 605 Latin Jazz Band, Cultural Aztec Dance Troup, Folklorico Dancers, Spice Band, Beach Boys' drummer Bobby Figueroa and his new band "Corazon Pacifico" and more. Celebrity guests joined the fun including East LA natives, actress Vanessa Marquez (Stand and Deliver, ER) and actress Ingrid Oliu (Real Women Have Curves).
Washington stated, "Our parents aren't just dropping off kids - we are gearing up to provide them with services as identified by them. Once we ascertained the community needed more than childcare services, we formed an Empowerment Council which includes fifteen members from the East Los Angeles community. The Empowerment Council has offered critical direction for programs that we are now implementing. It is crucial that we listen to our
communities and provide them with programs they need. One focus that materialized out of the Empowerment Council meetings was the need for senior programming. There will be many offerings for this population including congregate meals, activities, socializing, exercise, and language classes."
The UPEC facility offers services and programs in (1) Early Childhood and Education; (2) Youth Empowerment and Leadership; (3) Senior Services; (4) Special Needs; (5) Computer Lab and Internet Café, sponsored by Edison International; (6) Community Cohesion and Empowerment. In addition, the Center will offer computer training, language classes, financial education, and parenting classes.
Washington noted, "We want to engage this community holistically. Family unity will be promoted through community-wide events such as family nights and movie nights."
"We are so excited to see the opening of this wonderful program site in our community, our home, where we grew up," stated Ellen Chapa, a community member who served on the Empowerment Council. "I've had the privilege of watching the Union Pacific Empowerment Center impact this area positively and now to have programming for the entire community - it's really amazing. I've always dreamed of having programs especially for my mom and other seniors in this in this neighborhood. I am honored to have been part of the process."
As part of Molina's commitment to children and families and to increasing community and child care services in the East L.A. community, more than eight years ago, the YWCA GLA opened an earlier version of UPEC serving 45 preschool children. Operating out of a small modular building, the program was a success but it became clear that the community need was greater. Now with 80 spots for children, including infants, UPEC has grown into much more than a child development facility.
The newest of four YWCA GLA Empowerment centers, Union Pacific Empowerment Center construction started September 24, 2008 and issued notice of completion on October 7, 2009; the facility cost $9 million. The other Empowerment centers are located in Central LA, Compton and San Fernando Valley.
For more information about programs offered and registration at the Union Pacific Empowerment Center in East Los Angeles, contact 323-415-6057.
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Event Photos
