Opening Doors, Inspiring Minds, Building Futures
As a new school year begins, classrooms are once again filled with the excitement of new beginnings, new opportunities, and new goals. At Friendly Center, we believe education is more than a pathway to academic success. It is a foundation for confidence, opportunity, and long-term stability for children, adults, and families.
Education & Workforce Development is one of Friendly Center’s three core pillars, alongside Food & Basic Needs and Family Services. Through education, we help individuals build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive at school, at work, and in everyday life.
This fall, Friendly Center is expanding opportunities for learners of all ages through three engaging educational programs. Two of these programs, Murphy’s Little Readers and Ola Mae’s Story Studio, will launch as pilot programs, allowing us to explore new ways to engage learners and support literacy development in our community.
Murphy’s Little Readers
Sponsored by the Murphy Foundation, Murphy’s Little Readers will offer young readers interactive “Mommy and Me” story times for newborns through toddlers, led by retired educators and trained volunteers. These sessions create a fun and welcoming environment where children can develop a love for reading while families learn practical strategies they can use at home to support literacy development and build strong reading foundations.
Ola Mae’s Story Studio
Through Ola Mae’s Story Studio, in partnership with OCAG, participants will explore classic literature through guided reading, audiobook-supported learning, group discussion, vocabulary development, and creative response activities. This season, participants will dive into the beloved classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, discovering new ways to engage with the story while strengthening comprehension, communication, vocabulary, and critical-thinking skills.
Computer Applications Course
Learning doesn’t stop when we leave the classroom. Friendly Center is also offering a Computer Applications course for adults, sponsored by Santiago Canyon College, designed to help participants build essential computer skills for work, school, and everyday life. By gaining confidence with technology and developing practical skills, adults can take another step toward greater independence and expanded career opportunities.
Education opens doors. By creating accessible learning opportunities for children and adults, Friendly Center is helping individuals and families build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to move forward.
As we begin a new school year, we invite our community to celebrate the power of learning and the opportunities it creates. Through education, essential resources, family support, and community connections, we can continue building a stronger foundation for children and families throughout Orange County.
For more information of our programs, and see what is getting offered in each of our locations, please click on each of the links:
Orange
Buena Park