YWCA Greater Los Angeles Celebrates The Grand Opening Of The Gloria Molina Community Empowerment Center In Walnut Park

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Jun 20, 2014, 11:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- YWCA Greater Los Angeles celebrated its grand opening of the Gloria Molina Community Empowerment Center in Walnut Park, which took place on Saturday, June 14, 2014. The celebration began with a ribbon cutting ceremony and welcome by YWCA GLA President and CEO Faye Washington and Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. Univision's Primer Impacto correspondent Magaly Ortiz served as emcee.

Left to right: YWCA GLA President and CEO Faye Washington, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Gloria Molina Empowerment Center Director Maria Elena Chavez, Community Organizer Delores Huerta (PRNewsFoto/YWCA Greater Los Angeles)

The celebration, which was attended by several hundred residents from the community, included food, live performances from folklorico dance troupes and Walnut Park Elementary children's choir, face painting and balloon art for children.

Established through a partnership between the YWCA GLA and the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, the GLORIA MOLINA COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT CENTER will provide local families with quality development and care for toddlers and preschoolers by fully licensed professional staff so their parents can continue to work, seek employment or attend school. Programs at the new facility will also include afterschool youth enrichment and senior services.

The 13,894 Sq. Ft. building, located at 7515 Pacific Blvd. in Walnut Park, is designed in the California Mission Revival style and integrates traditional design elements such as tile, wrought iron and stone. The two story state-of-the-art childcare and enrichment program facility includes three classrooms on the first level as well as a multi-purpose room, commercial grade kitchen and premium indoor and outdoor play equipment. The second level consists of five classrooms as well as a computer learning center and conference room.

"YWCA Greater Los Angeles is proud to contribute to the development and enrichment of the Walnut Park community in such a significant manner," said Ms. Washington. "As Supervisor Molina's term comes to an end, this facility will be a lasting tribute to her longtime partnership with the YWCA GLA and her legacy of steadfast commitment to the people of this community," she added.

Founded in 1893, YWCA Greater Los Angeles addresses the emerging and ongoing needs of the greater Los Angeles area. As a women's membership movement built on the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, the organization celebrates more than 120 years of community service. YWCA Greater Los Angeles core initiatives include: Workforce Development, Child Development, Youth Development, Advocacy, Housing, Senior Programs, and Sexual Assault Crisis Services.

As a part of the national YWCA mission, we advocate for justice and dignity for all people. YWCA GLA is pioneering a model of community centers and housing - co-created with diverse stakeholders - to transform lives, build self-reliance and, ultimately, strengthen communities.

Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140620/119625

SOURCE YWCA Greater Los Angeles