The Palisades Community Renewal Center will celebrate its first anniversary with a free community open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at 3212 Nebraska Ave.
The center, known as PCRC, has spent the past year supporting the emotional recovery of individuals and families affected by the Palisades fires. Since opening, it has provided free therapy, creative arts programming, wellness activities, support groups and community gatherings, reaching more than 1,500 community members.
While the first year after a disaster often brings an outpouring of support, emotional recovery is a long-term process. "The impact of a wildfire can continue to unfold long after the immediate crisis has passed," said Dr. Kim Low, clinical director of Maple Counseling at PCRC. "As people move into the next stages of rebuilding, they may process grief, loss, anxiety and trauma in new ways. Continued mental health support and community connection can be a vital part of that healing."
"This anniversary is about more than marking a year," said Juliet Curry, director of the center. "It's an opportunity to celebrate our community's resilience and thank the incredible partners and community members who have made this work possible. Healing happens in community, and we are honored to walk alongside our neighbors as they continue in their recovery journey."
The celebration will let attendees meet the Maple Counseling team and learn about available mental health resources. It will feature hands-on art activities for all ages with P.S. ARTS, a Labyrinth Lab with artist Marni Gittleman, and live music including a performance by singer-songwriter Sydney Yates and musical guests from Theater Palisades Youth.
Food and drinks will be available from local Palisades businesses, including Caffè Luxxe, Sunset Smash Burgers, Espresso Express and Palisades Garden Cafe. Other activities include a community book giveaway with Reading Among Ruins, an exhibit called "The Animals Rise from the Ashes" by artist Kate Samuels, and a five-minute Reiki reset with Lynn Cooper.
The event is free and open to the public.
The center is a program of the Picerne Family Foundation, dedicated to supporting the emotional recovery and long-term resilience of individuals and families affected by the Palisades fires.
Edited by SMDP Staff