Services

The Armory Center for the Arts, housed in Pasadena’s historic 1932 National Guard Building, serves as the city’s hub for art education in its myriad forms. It originated as the education department of the Pasadena Art Museum in 1947 with classes led by artists whose teaching concepts grew out of the museum's exhibitions of modern art. This education program became known as the Pasadena Art Workshops after the museum closed in 1974. Without a permanent space for exhibitions, the workshops used professional artists as teachers and focused on the development of arts programs that presented alternative forms of learning. By working in partnerships with schools, libraries, parks, neighborhood groups, community centers, and city agencies, the museum’s programs brought the arts to new audiences – a trend that continues to this day.

Opening in its permanent space on Raymond Avenue in 1989, the center underwent a $2.4 million transformation in 2002 to create an additional 6,800 square feet of classrooms and studio spaces for drawing and painting, digital arts, and photography. Today it offers a wide range of programs and studio classes for all ages (in-person and online), as well as exhibitions in its galleries, year around.  Galleries are open by appointment Fridays from 3:00 to 7:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00pm. Admission is always free.

The mission of Pasadena Heritage is to identify, preserve, and protect the historic, architectural, and cultural resources of the City of Pasadena through advocacy, education, and oral histories. Pasadena Heritage works to protect Pasadena's architectural and cultural resources; advocates for endangered buildings; offers tours, workshops, lecture and other educational programs; and provides consultation and referral services for members. Pasadena Heritage is one of the oldest historic preservation groups in Southern California and the second largest in the state. With more than 2,000 members, it is also one of the City of Pasadena's largest membership organizations.

Pasadena Heritage played a leading role in the preservation efforts for Old Pasadena, now considered one of the greatest downtown revitalization success stories in the country, as well as the Colorado Street Bridge, the Huntington Hotel, the Civic Center, the Blacker House, and many other important architectural and historical structures. It also works regularly to protect and enhance individual properties and neighborhoods.

Those interested in the history and preservation of Old Pasadena are encouraged to take one of Pasadena Heritage's Walking Tours of the district or the Old Pasadena Pub Crawl Tour -- both are offered several times a year, check the organization's website for a schedule.

The Pasadena Senior Center (PSC) is a vital community asset.  As a donor supported nonprofit organization, the PSC does not receive local, state or federal funding for their operations and is not a city-operated facility. Every effort is made to keep membership and class fees as low as possible so that everyone can participate. While those fees help, they do not cover the operating costs of the Center.  Private donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and community philanthropy are essential to support the Center’s operational expenses, as well as social wellness programs.  Social wellness ensures: social connectedness; optimal quality of life; and maximized independence. 

Every year, more than 10,000 older adults age 50+ from a variety of backgrounds, with differing needs, abilities and interests come to PSC for a sense of community and so much more.  PSC provides the opportunity to: continue lifelong learning; discover new opportunities for social interaction; and engage in a multitude of activities to keep their minds sharp, bodies healthy and spirits soaring.

The PSC's dynamic programming also includes a full range of free social service programs for older adults who face chronic health issues, poor nutrition, social isolation, income insecurity, lack of access to transportation, and more. At the Center, they understand that older adults want to remain independent for as long as possible, and they work hard to help them do so with a sense of dignity, happiness, and safety in an environment where they are valued.

Union Station is the San Gabriel Valley's largest and most comprehensive social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income people. Their mission is to help, men, women and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness. Union Station has an Adult Shelter, located at 412 S. Raymond, as well as a family shelter in North Pasadena, located at 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

Union Station operates five programs to help homeless adults and families achieve self-sufficiency:

- Passageways Intake Center
- Adult Center
- Family Center
- Euclid Villa Transitional Housing Apartments
- Sources Career Development Program

GET INVOLVED
Their work would not be possible without the tremendous support of thousands of passionate and caring donors and volunteers. There are many opportunities to get involved.

DONATE: Donations from private sources make up 75% of Union Station's annual budget. Your gift will fund programs that empower men, women and children to end their cycle of homelessness and build a self-sufficient life.

PARTICIPATE: Attend an Event or host your own. Employ our job seekers.

VOLUNTEER: At Union Station, volunteers make our work possible. From preparing meals to leading workshops for our clients, to helping in the office, volunteers provide vital support that keeps our programs running. We are grateful for these dedicated individuals. Please consider supporting Union Station by donating your time.