Frazee Community Center

HISTORY OF FRAZEE COMMUNITY CENTER

 

 

Frazee Community Center is named for William & Cecile Frazee who were members of the St. Stephens Methodist Church.  Because of their concern for people who were in need in the San Bernardino area the Center opened to the community in 1947 as a remedial & tutorial center for ESL students. 

 

Seeing a need in the community for other services, Frazee became incorporated in 1965 as a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization in accordance with the laws of California.  An Executive Director over-sees the daily activities and is under the direction of a Board of Directors. 

 

The Center’s primary purpose has been emergency services for low income and no income individuals and families.  A soup kitchen was opened in 1981 and continues to serve clients Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  The Frazee soup kitchen feeds over 20,000 individuals per year. Since its inception they have served over 1,000,000 meals to the needy and homeless in the community. Emergency food bags are distributed once a month for an estimated 800 bags per year. 

 

The first shelter (in Highland) housed over 14 single women & women with children, but unfortunately had to close its doors in March of 2015. There are also two homeless veterans’ shelters that house 13 veterans.

 

Through the City of San Bernardino Frazee acquired low income and transitional rental units which are monitored annually by the City but are operated by the Frazee staff.  These low income and transitional rental units house over 30 individuals with families.

 

A thrift store was opened in 1999, but is now closed, as an outlet for excess clothing and household donations with the proceeds helping to fund programs. 

 

During the past 28 years Frazee has been affiliated with the Loma Linda SAC Clinic which is presently operating in its’ own building on Frazee’s property. 

 

Funding for the programs offered by Frazee comes from government and private grants, churches, civic organizations, and generous individuals.