Real Life Church’s dream of creating a neighborhood gathering place and a home base for people in this valley has been realized.   Savia: A Community Partnership, is a 23,000 sq. ft center that houses three non-profits:  A Light of Hope, Single Mothers Outreach, the Domestic Violence Center as well as the architect/builder of the project, Focus Buildings.  It will open its doors on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 23780 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita with the offering of two English-speaking services: 8:30am and 10am and a Spanish-speaking service, Vida Real, at 12:00pm in the 285 seat auditorium.

“Artisan Java and Juice is a non-profit, organic coffee, tea, and juice bar whose mission is to invest in the community of Santa Clarita by providing a quality experience in and through your cup,” says General Manager, Lori Knight. “We give 100% of our profit away to a local charity that is doing good in our community. We are excited to announce the opening of Artisan the week of May 20th, with hours to be announced. We will be a place where people can find an organic experience, everything from the inviting ambiance of the space to the beverage you enjoy. Check out our website artisanjavajuice.com for menu and updates.  Savia will also have a Wi-Fi work lounge, classrooms and conference rooms — all available for community use throughout the week.

“Real Life Church is thrilled to be able to open a Community Partnership down in the heart of Newhall,” says Lead Pastor, Rusty George.  “In addition we look forward to being able to offer a recovery program as well as both English and Spanish-speaking services through this venue.  We think this partnership with the people of Newhall, the city of Santa Clarita, the non-profits and Real Life Church will shine a bright light in our valley.”

Real Life Church is also excited to announce a Savia Community Open House on Saturday, May 18th from 11am – 3pm.  Everyone is welcome to tour the center and meet new neighbors.  There will be coffee and juice tasting at Artisan, live music, kids’ crafts, and more.  This is a free event.

Savia,  translated means ‘energy,’ ‘vitality’ or ‘lifeblood’ of a tree, so encompassing that spirit, a 2-story wooden tree sculpture has been installed in the lobby of the building.  The installation is the work of local SCV artist, Shane Hammond who also designs sets and environments for major Hollywood productions, premieres and awards shows. Hammond’s signature metal and wood artwork graces the entire building, from the reception counter, to the barn doors in the classrooms.

In fact, art has played an important role in Savia’s development. Local arts group, Nomad Lab, is presently working with approximately 35 Newhall neighborhood children on an installation that will cover one of the main walls in the lobby as well as in the unique booths in the upstairs Wi-Fi lounge.

Just as Savia means the energy, vitality or lifeblood of a tree, “We hope to help infuse these same attributes into the community and we’re excited to see how this facility will be used to serve Santa Clarita.” Pastor George adds.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Maddy Dowler at 661-775-2041 or maddy@reallifechurch.org.