FRIENDLY CENTER

Friendly Center is a non-profit Family and Community Resource Center located approximately a mile north of FUMCO. Friendly Center began in 1924, the result of a men’s ecumenical Bible Study Group with members from FUMCO, the First Presbyterian, and the First Christian Churches. Today it is a bustling community center dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families as they move toward self-sufficiency. In July, 2007, the California Family Resource Association (CFRA) designated Friendly Center as one of the top four model family resource centers with community-based mental health services in the State of California. Friendly Center is an Advance Special with the Santa Ana District of the United Methodist Church.

Friendly Center is a trusted resource for low-income families, serving more than 3,000 children, teenagers, adults and seniors each year through more than 25 free programs and services. 99% of those served live below the poverty line.

Friendly Center focus is on entire families, offering assistance to children, adults and senior citizens, because financial, emotional and parenting difficulties are often interwoven. Programs for families in crisis include: family advocacy, case management, counseling, rent and utility assistance, and emergency food. Ongoing support is provided through parenting classes, English language classes, supplemental food programs, adult computer classes, and domestic violence intervention programs. Marriages are strengthened through relationship enhancement classes. For our senior citizens, we offer meals and activities, along with monthly blood pressure checks. The center owns eight HUD subsidized apartments, providing low-rent homes for eight families.

A large part of our effort is dedicated to helping children succeed in school. Many of our children live in homes without books, computers, or a quiet place to do homework. In many cases, their parents are under-educated, do not speak English, and/or work multiple jobs, making it difficult for them to help their children learn.

To assure that these children have a real opportunity for academic achievement, we offer our Success for All programs. In our Tiny Tot classes, pre-school children learn English and the basic skills needed for a successful start in school. The parents of toddlers in this program participate in English language instruction and parenting classes. In our after-school programs, Kindergarten through high school students receive homework assistance and participate in skill building and enrichment activities. Tutoring Through the Arts, an intersession program for 1st through 8th grade students, reinforces academic skills through music, art, and drama activities. Our 27-station computer lab allows our students to complete homework and learn computer skills.

The FUMCO congregation provides both volunteer and financial assistance, as well as furnishing emergency food boxes. In addition, church members are active on the Friendly Center’s Board of Directors.

We are please to play a significant role in the support of the Friendly Center as one of our outreach endeavors. If you would like to become involved with Friendly Center, please contact Cathy Seelig, Executive Director, at 714-771-5300, or visit their website at www.friendlycenter.org - there are many opportunities available!