The San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center (the Prevention Center), a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse in San Francisco, announced today the reopening of its Waller Street facility, which was recently renovated by Pankow Builders, Ltd. (Pankow) and the International Interior Design Association of Northern California (IIDA NC). The Prevention Center will reopen its doors for client services on Monday, October 21, 2013.
In recognition of the vital importance of protecting San Francisco’s children, Pankow and IIDA NC dedicated significant time and resources to upgrade the Prevention Center’s home, a former firehouse, built in 1895. Renovations will enable the Center to offer a safer, more inviting and accessible place for vulnerable children and families. Each year, the Prevention Center serves 15,000 parents, children and providers by offering one-on-one services, educating the community and building city-wide connections and partnerships.
Renovations to the Prevention Center include expanded reception and waiting room areas, improved client counseling rooms with sound-proof walls for greater privacy, a remodeled children’s therapeutic playroom and expanded staff work spaces. In addition, the remodel includes seismic remediation.
“The private/non-profit partnership represents the very best of San Francisco – the community coming together to help kids,” said Katie Albright, Executive Director of the Prevention Center. “We are so grateful to have our beloved firehouse renovated. Not only do our walls breathe new life, but we will be better able to continue to serve our clients and ensure that kids are safe.”
San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White welcomed the remodel of the Waller Street firehouse and said, “We are thrilled to partner with the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center to keep our community safe. The renovations made to the historic firehouse maintain its long tradition of providing 24/7 services to protect our city’s children and families.”
Supervisor London Breed stated, “I am thrilled for the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center and the reopening of its historic building in the heart of Haight-Ashbury. This project shows what can happen when the community comes together to improve the lives of our most vulnerable residents.”
“When we learned of the Prevention Center’s need, we welcomed the opportunity to jump in,” said Scott Anderson, Pankow Regional Vice President for Northern California. “For Pankow, continuing to stay engaged with the community through contributions and volunteerism is a direct reflection of the company’s values. It’s a very important part of our business and our 50thanniversary celebration.”
“With great enthusiasm, IIDA NC welcomed the opportunity to support the Prevention Center project. IIDA NC is dedicated to enhancing the community through excellence in interior design. The renovation of the Prevention Center allowed our contributing members to help transform a historic building to better serve children and families,” said Terry de la Cuesta, IIDA NC Vice President of Philanthropy.