Our History
The Early Years
The Friendly Center was built as a labor of love by the Men’s Community Bible Class of Orange. These were men of all denominations and were led by the late Rev. M. L. Pearson, a Presbyterian minister in Orange. They met for many years in the old Colonial Theater on South Glassell. The Center was built on land North Cypress Street donated by the late J. F. Lewis, with the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony held on April 8, 1924. This area, known as the Cypress Street Barrio, had come into being a few years before the turn of the century. In November, 1893, a packing house for citrus fruits was established in that area. Mexican workers were hired and settled nearby, with families and friends coming later. A settlement grew, and although conditions were primitive and needs many, the atmosphere was reportedly reminiscent of one big happy family.
The first twenty five years, the Center was operated as a Mission Chapel on Sundays by the Latin Methodist pastors. The Friendly Center minutes state that the ministers helped residents with food, family problems, health and legal problems; they worked with the nationals and also counseled ex-offenders. The Center was also used extensively weekdays as a Community Center. Public Health nurse used the Center to hold health clinics and classes in child care. The Orange School District used the Center for Citizenship and “Americanization” classes and other classes in sewing, cooking, and learning to speak English. Ministers and volunteers provided groups, trips and experiences for the young people and helped the people bring to their new home their traditional Mexican festivals.
Non Profit Status
In the early fifties, the building was no longer used as a church, and the Latin American Council (two members and the minister of each church in Orange), which oversaw the Center operation, secured the building for use as a nonprofit community center, opening in May 1956.
In addition to the churches of Orange, the Orange School District and Chapman College each played an important role.
The Friends
In 1965 an active volunteer group – “Friends of the Friendly Center” – was formed, drawing together over one hundred men and women from all segments of the Orange community; white, black, Chicano, Protestant, Catholic, and of the Jewish faith – all working together in the areas of program, finance and service.
Incorporation
In March, 1967, the Friendly Center became The Friendly Center, Inc. – an independent, community supported, non-profit corporation. Many of the board members came from The Friends of the Friendly Center organization.
The emphasis was on education and housing during the early years after incorporation. In 1968 a comprehensive scholarship program was established covering financial aid, recruitment, counseling, and college tours.
Housing
Two housing programs of the Friendly Center came to fruition during the years of 1969-1972. After invaluable cooperation from the City of Orange, and countless others, the Friendly Center established Orange County’s first Rent Supplement Housing Program: eight apartment units located on Lemon Street, owned and operated by the Friendly Center. Simultaneously, a cooperative rehabilitation effort involving the Friendly Center, the City of Orange, and area property owners was accomplished. These two projects resulted in a remarkable upgrading of the housing and neighborhood in that area.
Middle Years
At the fifty year mark, the Friendly Center had evolved greatly and become a United Way Agency. The budget at that time was United Way – 30%, churches – 25%, individuals – 25%, with the balance provided by industry, service clubs and fund raising events.
In 1975 a bilingual pre-school program was initiated at the Center for children ages 3 ½ to 5 years from primarily low-income, non English speaking families. During the twelve years of its operation the preschool teachers worked closely with Orange Unified School District Kindergarten teachers.
In 1978 a Senior Citizen lunch program was begun at the Center. The program provided noon meals on a daily basis, a social time and other activities such as trips, parties and programs to enrich the senior’s lives.
In 1985 the Center made a move to Killefer Park at the invitation and help of the city of Orange. The move to Killefer Park was a very successful move. It expanded the Center’s effectiveness and broadened the scope of clients served with a much larger, newer, and more convenient facility. In the early years clients came from the Cypress Street Barrio. With the move, the Center could serve people from all over the City of Orange.
The Friendly Center has come a long way since 1924. Not all the needs have been met – but The Friendly Center is working at it every day!