Since 1954, the Junior Center of Art and Science has been offering hands-on learning programs for young people and their families from Oakland and the greater East Bay.
Because of the pandemic, the classes usually offered at their center on the edge of Lake Merritt went virtual.
"The fact that we were able to provide something in the interim doing virtual programming has meant a lot. We’ve been able to build community even when we can’t be physically together," Executive Director Dominique Enriquez told KCBS Radio. "We were so, so close to doing it again in person."
Then, on Sunday night, Enriquez got a call saying a fire had broken out at the center.
"We don’t yet know exactly what happened. There is an investigation under way," she said. "There was an encampment that popped up on our deck several days ago - almost about a week ago."
She said it is a devastating setback as they were preparing to begin in-person programming within the next couple of months. Within 48 hours of announcing their summer camp, 75% of the space had filled up.
Now, the plans will likely have to be pushed back.
"Spaces like summer camps, spaces like arts classes mean so, so much to parents and to families," she said.
Enriquez said they rely on the generosity of donors to run their programs, and that she has been touched by offers of support from the community.
If you’d like to help, you can donate here.
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