La Familia Counseling Center

Approaching 50 years of its mission “to improve the quality of life for at-risk youth and families of diverse backgrounds,” La Familia recognized a need to create an Opportunity Center. This facility fosters economic resiliency for the community by creating a new home for multicultural counseling, support, and outreach services augmented by additional space for workforce development, community partners, and climate resiliency.

WMB worked diligently with La Familia to define the program for the Opportunity Center (including a training facility and kitchen) and developed a comprehensive phased plan to bring the project to an urban site in the heart of the community.

The architecture reflects the cultural history of La Familia’s founding Latino community while resonating with the diverse population they serve. Bright, smooth stucco forms are carved and punched to accommodate a variety of spaces. A semitransparent glazed post and beam volume unites the highly articulated building and allows for phased construction. From perimeter fencing accent columns to the mosaic-tiled door and window portals, bright colors cheerfully punctuate the structure.

Public and nonprofit investment and planning for a Complete Streets project promises an invigorated future for Franklin Boulevard. WMB’s leadership, expertise, and community connections have supported the complex approval process for this complementary development. From the visible large plaza extending to the street to the less obvious features of the building that make it a climate resiliency hub, La Familia’s Opportunity Center enhances the community’s self-determination.