Center for ‘Impact’ set to open

SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services) is bringing all of its programs under one roof with the opening of its new Center for Impact on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

The $34 million, 61,000-square-foot facility is designed to serve more than 60,000 children, youth, and families each year, expanding the nonprofit’s reach by 10,000.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony starts at 11 a.m. at 318 Fourth Ave., with remarks from State Sen. Steve Padilla, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, District Attorney’s Office Chief Deputy Tracy Prior, and SBCS leadership, including President & CEO Kathie Lembo.

The Center consolidates services previously spread across multiple older locations, including programs for homelessness, youth development, mental health, domestic violence, affordable housing, and education.

“This community-centered space will be a launching pad for us to serve more people, more often, and a symbol of our commitment to this community for decades to come,” Lembo said. “Together, we’re ensuring that every child, youth, and family in our region has the opportunity to build a brighter future.”

The facility features a Community Engagement Center with counseling rooms, a teen center, a computer lab, and childcare and breastfeeding rooms. Flexible spaces will host community gatherings and civic engagement events, while the upper floors house SBCS’s core operations and staff.

Attendees will have the chance to tour the new center and see the programs in action. The ceremony runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the speaking program at 11:15 a.m. and the ribbon-cutting at 11:35 a.m.

More information about SBCS and its programs is available at sbcssandiego.org.