OUR PROGRESS - WHERE ARE WE NOW
Legacy Project: TOGETHER CALIFORNIA: A Village for Brothers & Sisters.
Modeled after SOS Children’s Villages, originating in Austria
October 2022 - Present
October 26, 2022
During the reception of Austria’s National Day celebration at the residence of the Consul General of Austria, President Veronika Reinelt had a wonderful opportunity to speak about and introduce our Legacy Project. Although the Council was actively soliciting funds
for the Village in Palmdale, California, this was the moment when the public
at large was made aware of our in-depth involvement with this project,
and the Consul General expressed his support for this endeavor.
Year 2023
Throughout this period the Council was able to amass sufficient funds to be able to specifically support the creation of a Community Center at the Village. In the meantime, TOGETHER CALIFORNIA raised funds from both private and public sources in the area of $20,000,000 to make the village a reality. Various permits and permissions were obtained. Plans were drawn and contractors were brought on board.
Year 2024
The Council was notified that we were allowed to proceed with the creation
of the Community Center. Importantly, it will be known as the
AUSTRIAN-AMERICAN COUNCIL WEST COMMUNITY CENTER.
All the generosity of our donors has provided a permanent recognition
of the long-standing relationship between Austria and the United States -
all to the benefit of extremely disadvantaged children.
February 7, 2024
This is the day we have all been waiting for. On Wednesday at 11:00 AM the Groundbreaking for 12 foster homes and the building of our Community Center took place. The Center will serve as a vibrant hub for the whole community of Palmdale/Lancaster. The location is 30thStreet near McAdam Park in Palmdale.