Cipriano Ferrel Education Center
Read about:
Cipriano Ferrel Education Center is a multi-purpose facility located in the grounds of Nuevo Amanecer (Woodburn). The center serves many functions. It offers class-room space, a commercial kitchen, a large computer-lab, meeting space, and a large event room for celebrations and resident activities.
One of the dreams long held by our Board of Directors was to establish a community building and education center at Nuevo Amanecer.We began a capital campaign in 2000 and successfully concluded it in 2003, raising more than $1.5 million for the Cipriano Ferrel Education Center. Cipriano Ferrel, who worked closely with Cesar Chavez until Chavez' death in 1993, was a PCUN co-founder and President and co-founder of FHDC. Cipriano was our first Community Organizer and it's his model of leadership development and community organization that FHDC continues to utilize.
Several foundations, community and church groups, and individuals pledged their support. And this time, instead of facing opposition from the City or local residents, the City of Woodburn and FHDC jointly submitted a Community Development Block Grant application to the State which brought us the final $600,000 we needed to begin construction. The building was dedicated in October, 2003 and has become the educational and cultural center of the community. Governor Kulongoski spoke at the dedication describing our community as "the new face of Oregon."
Programs and services at Cipriano Ferrel Education Center
Adult Services and Programs
- Computer Classes
- Basic English Classes, provided by community volunteers
- Mi Salud En Mis Manos Program (My Health in My Hands)
- Drivers Education
- Women's support group
- Women's sewing group
- Referrals to social service agencies
- Annual Health Fair
- Individual Development Accounts Program (IDA)
- Resident Association
Youth Programs and Services
- After school tutoring and arts and crafts activities
- Tae Kwon Do Classes
- Monthly meetings with parents of children and youth involved in educational activities
- Gang, drug and alcohol prevention
- Leadership development
- Summer Enrichment Program offering a wide range of activities including: field trips to colleges and universities, gardening, family literacy, and arts and crafts
