Visitation & Discipleship
Thursdays & Fridays
Leader: Julio Lemus

Mothers United
Mondays: 7:00pm
Leader: Carmen Sosa

Vigils
Every other week
Leaders: Nivia Aguilar

Walking through the streets of Pico Union, now standing in the shadow of the Staples Center downtown, you may find it hard to believe that the neighborhood was once home to a quiet, growing Swedish community. It was from these roots that in 1913 the First Evangelical Free Church of Los Angeles was established, “to the glory of God and for the salvation of souls”.

Those who have stayed to watch the transformation of this place will testify that hundreds of lives have been touched over the years through the testimony of the church, one of the few that has stayed and adapted to the changing demographics of Pico Union. A largely Latino population now makes Pico Union its home. Just a decade ago, gang warfare made it one of the most dangerous places in L.A.. Now, though rich in culture, the neighborhood continues to struggle with poverty, single parent homes, gang activity and substance abuse.

The local high school has a 46% drop out rate and the local elementary schools Academic Performance Index received the lowest possible ranking. The S.A.Y. Yes! Center is a tangible way that the church seeks to serve the needs of the community.

“Let’s go play in the street!” For many children, the wide streets of our neighborhood offer the only real place to run around. Limited play space is only one disadvantage the kids face. Most are significantly behind their peers in reading and language. The there are simple things most people take for granted– an after school snack, a parent at home, and safe streets.

“Let the little children come to me”, said Jesus (Luke 18:16). Our vision is to be a church-based after school program that starts with first graders, with the goal of mentoring those children all the way through high school. Over the last five years we’ve grown from 15 students to 40 students and ten staff. Currently, we are serving kids up through 10th grade, looking forward to our first graduation class in two years. As a holistic ministry, we partner with parents to meet academic, physical and emotional needs, with the primary goal of seeing each child reach their potential by building a strong spiritual foundation... The S.A.Y. Yes! (Save America’s Youth) Center is based on a model developed by Campus Crusade for Christ, which is used in inner cities all over the nation. At the S.A.Y. Yes! Center, kids have a place to truly call their own.

• Jesus Christ as the center of all we do
• The Bible as God’s mandate for love, responsibility, and justice
• Partnership with families
• Individual, long-term relationships
• The uniqueness of each child
• Our community
• Innovative learning

Invest in the lives of children by volunteering one or more hours per week. The children’s success in academics and especially reading depends on individual attention.

For only $72 per month you can help provide one child a health snack, a monthly field trip and necessary school, art and recreation supplies. You can also be a personal encouragement by corresponding with you “kid partner”. There is also a $40 per month option.

You can help with the many necessary funds that keep this center running. S.A.Y. Yes! Pico Union operates under the non-profit First Evangelical Free Church of L.A. It is supported by donations and a $25/ semester enrollment fee for each student.

“All gifts are tax-deductible. You can now give online through Google Checkout. You may also mail a check payable to “First Evangelical Free Church of Los Angeles” to:
1356 S. Albany St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

All gifts are tax deductible and a detailed expense report is available upon request.


40 children, most from the immediate neighborhood of the church
Grades 1-12
3:00- 6:30 p.m.
Tues., Wed., and Thurs.
September- June
Tutoring, Bible lessons, art, recreation, field trips, family events, music, mentoring and more!

Executive Directors:
Scott & Sarah Yetter

English 9am
Spanish 11:30am
French/Lingala 3pm

Contact:
Office Hours
Tues-Thurs 8am-1pm
Phone 213·749·8668
Fax 213·749·3326

Address:
Directions to evfreela
1356 S. Albany St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015

S.A.Y. Yes! Hours
Elementary
Tues 3-6pm
Wed & Thur
3:30-6pm

Junior & High School
Tues 4:30-6pm
6-7pm Dinner
7-9pm Youth Group
Wed & Thur
4:30-6:30pm