In 1998, one thousand people marched, as a visual sign of peace, for all the people who were killed in the Pico nieghboorhood. Those people demanded a center to be built to "Stop the Killing." Pico Youth and Family Center (PYFC) was created as a violence prevention program. They do outreach to the community with different programs, which are available for free.
"We build relationships, we get to know people mainly through working with the community. Whenever someone needs help we provide them with tools that they need to be able to over come what they're going through," said Alex Aldana, the center's community organizer and event coordinator.
They offer services for youth and familes, counseling, job training, music recording, and tutoring. These are programs that benefit youth in the community and develop leadership and empowerment skills.They do a lot of events for the community. One event coming up is the HIP HOP UNITY CONFERENCE where they will be spreading knowledge to the youth and adults about HIP HOP culture, which includes the DJ, the MC, the B-BOY, and the GRAFFITI ARTIST.
Though they are currently in the transitional phase to a new location on 711 Pico Blvd., just one block from Santa Monica High School, I have high hopes, and give my best wishes, that they will keep making an impact on our community. The grand opening will be on September 13. There will be live music and art on display for anyone who wants to attend.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.picoyouth.org
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