Union Pacific Empowerment Center
Aside from the Child Development Services currently offered at Union Pacific Development Center, the following programs are outlined for the new Union Pacific Family Development Center.
Women Empowerment Services
The organization aspires to level the playing field and enrich the lives of women and their families; by applying a holistic family approach to the creation of empowered and educated individuals. Classes will include: Citizenship Classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), Assistance with Legal Documents, Financial Literacy, Self-Defense, Exercise, Health & Prevention Classes addressing various types of Cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and other life-threatening illnesses, Yoga/Tai Chi, as well as activities such as Sewing, Arts & Crafts, a Book Club, and Field Trips .
Senior Citizen Empowerment Services
Seniors will participate in educational programming, Health & Prevention Classes, Activities, and recreational outings as well as creativity increasing activities such as Sewing, Arts & Crafts and, a Book Club, Field Trips and a Hot Meal program. The Union Pacific Family Development Center (UPFDC) will offer seniors a safe haven, as well as opportunities for positive physical, emotional and spiritual momentum through community service.
Youth Development Services
The YWCA/GLA has historically built communities where young people and adults come together to create positive social change. At the UPFDC, we will custom design and implement programs that provide youth with leadership skills in the areas of philanthropy, and civic engagement. Building on these real-world program experiences, UPFDC training program will foster social change efforts across the community, while promoting best practices in the field of youth development. Some of these services will include:
- California High School Exit Exam Preparation Workshops
- YWCA Girls Club
- Cultural Awareness Training Program
- Financial Empowerment Programs
- Girls Technology
- 10 Simple Ideas to Eliminate Racism program
Special Needs Children
The YWCA/GLA focuses on the underserved communities of Metropolitan Los Angeles, of which, special needs children are among this group. Traditionally overlooked, special needs children with learning and/or developmental disabilities, are at significant risk of dropping out of school and/or bypassing college altogether. Further, employment at adulthood can be an even greater challenge if not adequately addressed in the early years. The recreational social skills communication program for children with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, mild to moderate mental retardation and/or cerebral palsy with a functinal level of commuication. This program is designed to give children the opportunity to learn appropriate social language skills in a fun, yet structured setting.
Empowerment Education Services
Personal self-sufficiency and economic responsibility are crucial to success in today's increasingly competitive world. The YWCA/GLA's UPFDC will offer workshops and classes that will enable members of the community to gain skills, confidence and an overall sense of empowerment. The Career Transitional Program will help participants build skills and create an action plan for finding a job and provide materials pertaining to their professional fields. Classes will be taught in an Internet Café setting. Financial Empowerment Workshops will address budgeting and planning, debt elimination, home ownership and an understanding of the banking and investment world, computer skills development and literacy will prepare participants to compete in this challenging economic climate.
Additionally, two other essential personal enhancement classes will be offered: ESL general language programs and Positive Parenting instruction will be offered.
