Pastor Orlando Cardona said, "This is like a lighthouse for the Fair Oaks community; it's a big need that we have to be able to stay in the building." He emphasizes that 90% of the families served are low-income and Spanish-speaking, stressing the importance of the community center for those in need.
Cardona expressed concern, stating, "Our fear is we're not going to be able to pay the rent because of the economic situation, and we don't want to leave the area." This highlights the critical nature of their work and the consequences of rising costs.
Verbo has been serving the Fair Oaks community for 25 years, and as Maribel Mayen, a former beneficiary said, "I've seen beautiful things happen at the center for children and adults," reflecting on the positive impact of the center on the community.
Cardona indicated that while finding another space for church is not the issue, "it's about staying in the building that houses the various resources and continuing to serve the Fair Oaks neighborhood," underscoring the multifunctional role of their current space.
Collection
[
|
...
]