The City of Riverside recognized UC Riverside's Robert Presley Center for Crime and Justice Studies as an important partner in the creation of the Eric M. Solander Arlanza Youth and Family Resource Center in Riverside during grand opening ceremonies Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Robert Nash Parker, director of the Presley Center and a professor of Sociology and Criminology at UC Riverside, was recognized for the center's help with a youth violence prevention project suggested four years ago by Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge.

A "Red Team," that included expertise from law enforcement, education, and community-based organizations, developed a plan for reducing youth violence in Riverside. The Riverside County Children and Families Commission funded one part of the plan, a neighborhood resource center located in Bryant Park to focus on the needs of young children and their families.

The Eric M. Solander Arlanza Youth and Family Resource Center -- named for the late hospital administrator who convinced Kaiser to donate the center's modular buildings -- is now providing childcare and a preschool center. In January, the center will begin health and mental health screening and WIC (women with infant children) services. Future plans include education classes, adult literacy programs, parenting classes, and other programs.

The Robert Presley Center for Crime and Justice Studies will evaluate the effectiveness of the center, and will send representatives to the Youth Violence Prevention Policy Board, formed to advise and oversee the Arlanza Initiative.

The Eric M. Solander Arlanza Youth and Family Resource Center is located at Philbin and Corwin lanes in Riverside. Visitors are welcome any time.