ABOUT US Downey, Norwalk, and Santa Fe Springs are situated at the traffic and commuter crossroads of the 5, 605, and 105 freeways—home of more than 160,000 residents—the heart of Los Angeles. It is a community of contrasts: modern industrial complexes sit next to rustic oil wells; well-manicured middle-class homes lie adjacent to dilapidated low-income units; orange orchards, flower beds, and fountains run parallel to small ethnic businesses and sport fields ringed with chain-link fences. It was here, in 2000, that a handful of community leaders began to recognize the staggering social, emotional, and financial needs faced by many middle-class and low-income families in the area. The growing problems were indisputable for the neighborhoods they were in. The facts were haunting: Juveniles committed 54% of the major felonies in the area. In addition, a vast number of households were supported by a single parent. The chief cause of death was heart disease. Moreover, among local residents, 60% had less than a college degree, and more than two-thirds of those who lived in poverty were Latinos. In an effort to combat the growing problems in their communities, they formed Bernabé Community Center, a name chosen with great care. "Bernabé" is the Spanish designation for "Barnabas," a man reknown in the ancient Roman world for his generosity, kindness, and encouragement. It was a perfect description for the genuine care shared by average citizens devoted to building lives together piece by piece. The organization developed three distinct services to combat crime, illiteracy, poverty, and poor health. Under the acronym of ACE, Bernabé Community Center offered children and adults year-around ATHLETICS, family COUNSELING, and EDUCATIONAL services in the form of ESL and parenting classes. Today, Bernabé Community Center continues to make a difference. Where kids battle gang recruitment and crime, Bernabé is there to offer athletic alternatives that bring hope and discipline. Where singles and couples struggle in silence over relationships and parenting problems, Bernabé is there to provide professional family counseling and classes in how to raise children. Where community residents wrestle to learn English, Bernabé is there to deliver ESL classes for those eager to learn. In short, piece by piece, person by person, dream by dream, Bernabé is changing the landscape of the community. For immediate contact click Bernabé Community Center.