The Palo Alto Art Center is a regional visual arts mecca whose exhibition program features the work of Bay Area artists. The nationally-renowned organization is funded by the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, as well as Arts Council Silicon Valley and numerous other groups. The Center's mission is to "foster creative process and thought by forging a greater appreciation and understanding of the visual arts through exhibitions, studio experiences, and related educational programs." Those educational programs include a plethora of classes for kids and adults, and the generous time and money offered by the Center's supporters have allowed it to truly become a regional artistic hub serving the greater mid-Peninsula area.
Blossom Birth Services is a community center that conducts seminars and classes to new and would-be parents. The seminars include subjects pertaining to pregnancy and infancy. Call the number provided for more information or to get a schedule.
The Chinese Community Center was founded in 1969 to provide educational and charitable programs. One of the many activities sponsored by the Center are the monthly senior citizen lunches held at a local church. For the younger set there are Chinese little olympics and lion dancing classes. Seasonal gatherings bring members of the community together during the year.
The Palo Alto Family YMCA runs a number of programs for members of the entire family. Its main focus is the cultivation of a bright, healthy and growing youth community. The center runs a variety of educational and fitness programs throughout the year. A list of programs, schedule and enrollment fees is available on its website.
The Stanford Arboretum Children's Center (SACC) is operated by Children's Creative Learning Centers (CCLC) and provides childcare and pre-school for children aged 2-month to 5-years-old.
This nationally accredited center serves the families of Stanford University and Stanford Hospital. Stanford alumni are not eligible.
Day One is a parenting club as well as a daycare center that works with children of many ages. This company also has a website with information for parents and expecting mothers. It also offers a community and forum center for parents.
Palo Alto Elks Lodge was established in 1923 to hold social events that aid veterans, youths and disadvantaged and handicapped individuals. The Lodge features a fitness center, where members may swim or play handball or racquetball. A bistro, featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, wine, beer, is located on the premises.
The Lucie Stern Community Center is a Spanish Mediterranean-style facility that houses the Palo Alto Recreation Department, two theaters and multiple rooms that can be rented for meetings, weddings, receptions and parties. These rooms include the Stern Ballroom, featuring wood floors, two fireplaces and cathedral ceilings; and the Community Room and Fireside Room, both of which have wall-to-wall carpeting and access to an outdoor patio. Discounted rates are available to residents and nonprofit organizations.
The Lucie Stern Community Center houses the City of Palo Alto's Recreation Department. This location also offers two theaters and other rooms, which can be rented for wedding receptions, parties, meetings and other events. The Stern Ballroom features a wood beamed cathedral ceiling, wooden floors, two fireplaces and can accommodate 300 guests for an assembly and 200 for dining. The community center also features a community room, fireside room, outdoor patio and kitchen.
JFCS offers a wide variety of social services including counceling, parent education, home care for seniors and a wide variety of other assistances designed to help families and individuals deal with the changes in their lives. Programs include Seniors At Home, which assists the more mature members of society to continue to live in dignity at their homes, and Parent's Place, a resource for those looking to better take care of their children.
The Woman's Club of Palo Alto is a members-only organization that supports the Palo Alto community and fosters friendships among members. Recipients of its philanthropic activities have included the Palo Alto Police Foundation, the Palo Alto History Museum and the Support Network for Battered Women. In addition, they rent their charming clubhouse for weddings and events for up to 150 seated guests.
