Friday, January 29th marked the date of the formal inauguration of the new headquarters for entreamigos. This early evening event started out with a short open house followed by recognitions of contributors, a special video presentation of the project and a few words from Nicole Swedlow, Director of entreamigos. Hundreds of people gathered to see the transformation of the bodega that took place over a six month period of time. 
 
The new Centro Comunitario Educativo is impressive for the extensive array of classes and programs that will be offered. The center offers services that include a bi-lingual library, a 20 station computer center, a small child play space, art classes and workshops, a recycling center, a cafe, Spanish classes, English classes, cooking classes, and a beautiful new gallery featuring work of local artists. A bi-lingual/bi-cultural concert and lecture series is planned for February, March, and April.
 
Many of the basic services will remain free for the public including in-house library services, art classes and computer use during certain hours. Lending services at the library as well as classes such as English and Spanish will have a small charge. Scholarship students will receive free passes for most classes and services.
 
It is also important to note that this project is not yet complete.  The sports room floor, a multimedia center for older youth and the workshops for the women are all areas of the project still in need of construction funding. entreamigos hopes that people who have not yet contributed to the construction will consider making contributions to help finish these important areas and this impressive facility.  People interested in contributing should contact Nicole Swedlow directly.