South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC) held its grand opening on Saturday, November 14, and tour of the facility at their new site the “Legacy Plaza.” The event included national, state and local elected officials who participated in the program. The afternoon event began on the open plaza with the ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by none other than the Honorable Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Waters remarked on her long-term relationship with the regional center and with the late O.V. Smith, a pioneer in the field of work related to those with development disabilities. The main program then moved into the newly restored auditorium in the Historic Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building.

Opening remarks were made by SCLARC Board President, Ana DaSilva and Terrence Payne, President of Friends Housing. Proclamations were read, which were received by the Honorable Congresswoman Karen Bass, Senator Ricardo Lara and Assemblyman Anthony Rendon. Welcome remarks were made by 8th District Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson and 9th District Councilman Curren Price. Community stakeholders remarks were made by Lara Okunibi, Vendor Advisor Chair; Mireye Romero, SCLARC parent and board member; and Desiree Boykin, SCLARC Consumer Advocate.

Malcolm N. Bennett, Board President, Friends of SCLARC, presented the “Legacy Awards” to Jorge Iragorri, Director of Global Capital Markets for Morgan Stanley and Norie Harrower, former CEO of Genesis LA. Mr. Bennett presented the Flame Awards to AE3 Partners, KSJ Construction, Primestor Development Inc., and Community Impact Development.

The toast to celebrate the event was performed by the leadership of Marsha Mitchell- Bray, Roy Doronila and Reuben Lee. Mr. Dexter Henderson, CEO and Executive Director of SCLARC, thanked everyone and gave the closing remarks. For information as to how you can become involved and make a contribution to the furtherance of SCLARC, please visit their website at www.sclarc.org.