A first-of-its-kind community center dedicated to helping California wildfire survivors will officially open Wednesday with a ceremony featuring Santa Monica's mayor and community leaders.
The Palisades Community Renewal Center will offer free therapy and counseling, art classes and community programs for those impacted by the Palisades wildfires. The facility at 3212 Nebraska Avenue represents a long-term commitment to recovery, with organizers emphasizing that community healing takes years, not months.
"The PCRC's mission is to provide ongoing, sustained support, recognizing that community recovery takes years, not months," organizers said.
Ken Picerne, president and board chairman of the Picerne Family Foundation, will speak at Wednesday's dedication ceremony alongside Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis and other officials. A Palisades High School student will also address attendees.
The center's trauma-informed services are available to anyone who lived, worked, studied or served in communities affected by the wildfires. Services will begin in September through partnerships with Maple Counseling and P.S. ARTS, with additional programs planned based on community needs.
Juliet Curry, director of the Palisades Community Renewal Center, will help lead the ceremony, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon Pacific Time. Media check-in begins at 10 a.m., followed by remarks at 10:30 a.m. Facility tours and interviews will be available from 11 a.m. to noon.
Chief Matthew Hallock of the Santa Monica Fire Department and Amanda Daflos, deputy Los Angeles mayor, are also scheduled to speak alongside community leaders and residents affected by the fires.
The center will hold a Community Open House on Saturday, Sept. 6, opening its doors to the public for the first time.
Wednesday's ceremony will include parking onsite at the Nebraska Avenue location. The facility represents a collaborative effort to address both individual and community recovery needs following the devastating wildfires.
For more information about the center and upcoming events, visit www.pcrcsm.org.
Edited by SMDP Staff