After one month of renovation, the Pico Youth & Family Center staff, board, youth and supporters will celebrate a grand re-opening of their renovated facility adjacent to Santa Monica High School on Saturday, March 14, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 715 Pico Blvd. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Since opening in 2002, the PYFC has served hundreds of Santa Monica youth with innovative and culturally empowering programs. The PYFC is home to the city's first public recording studio, where youth participants in the music program have completed five compilation CDs.
Organizers said the grand re-opening is a celebration of 13 years of service and accomplishment.
A highlight of the grand re-opening will include recognition to the volunteers and employees of the Santa Monica Rotary Club and Santa Monica-based Tiny Rebellion for the renovations to the youth center. The newly remodeled PYFC features a new, colorful orange and blue logo, state-of-the-art sound room and break room.
"We are grateful to the volunteers from the Santa Monica Rotary Club and Tiny Rebellion for giving of their time and money to the youth who call the PYFC a home away from home," PYFC Board Chair Berenice Onofre said.
The renovations and grand re-opening seemingly couldn't have come at a better time for the PYFC, which delivered an RFP grant application to the City of Santa Monica on March 9. City staff is expected to announce in mid-May if the PYFC will be recommended to the City Council for funding. The center has expanded its programming for film, radio and technology industries. Officials said the 2015 budget relies on City funding for 40 percent of the PYFC's operating costs, or about $190,000.
"We appreciate the support we have received from the City of Santa Monica, Saint John's Health Center and various local businesses such as Tiny Rebellion and the SM Rotary Club. Our youth deserve a first rate youth center where the services offered address their needs. We could not have realized this project without our supporters and we are encouraged to live in a community that values investing in our youth," said PYFC Board Secretary Laura Ceballos.
The grand re-opening will feature food, youth performers and inspiring speeches from participants and City leaders. For more information, visit www.picoyouth.org.
