Bresee Foundation

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The Bresee Foundation is a non-profit organization that is a source of faith, hope and service to one of the poorest and most densely populated communities in Los Angeles County. Serving the neighborhoods of Koreatown, Pico Union, Westlake and South Central Los Angeles, the organization is working to build a stronger, healthier, safer community for area residents by providing them with access to important resources and services and empowering them with the knowledge and skills to improve their lives.

The Bresee Foundation is named after Dr. Phineas Franklin Bresee, a Methodist minister who founded the Church of the Nazarene in Los Angeles in 1895. Dr. Bresee believed that faith was demonstrated and transformation achieved through serving others. The Bresee Foundation was established in 1982 by the Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene to honor his example and carry out his mission.

The Bresee Foundation serves more than 3,000 people on an annual basis. Residents in the area served by Bresee face significant challenges. The neighborhood is among the most densely populated in the nation and it has the highest crime rate in the city of Los Angeles. Most residents live below poverty level and have no access to health care. The Bresee Foundation works hand-in-hand with community members to address these issues and remedy difficult problems. Bresee programs provide community members with access to health care, education, technology and job preparation, recreational activities and other crucial supports. The organization’s work is focused in four key areas:

Health Services provides access to preventive and basic health services, health screenings and health education. The program also provides medical referrals and assists community members in registering for Healthy Families, a state medical insurance program for children.

Literacy and Academic Enrichmenttsupports the educational development of area youth and their families. The program helps students develop essential reading, writing, language arts and math skills, provides mentors, promotes literacy and encourages and prepares youth for college attendance.

Technology and Employment Services operates a community computing center and job training program that offers low income community members access to computers and the training to use them, as well as access to the Internet and other technological resources. The program also provides career preparation and employment opportunities.

Outreach and Recreation offers positive recreational, cultural and community activities for neighborhood youth. The program connects young people with caring adults in a positive environment and helps them to develop the strength and skills to cope with difficult issues.

The Bresee Foundation is located in Central Los Angeles near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Third Street. For more information, contact us by email at info@bresee.org.