La Sierra University President Lawrence T. Geraty recently honored James E. Brown, director of the Watts Wellness Center in Los Angeles, with a presidential citation for his 27 years of service to Watts youth.

IT Director Sam Young reported that LSU plans to upgrade the center’s computers and is exploring distance learning options. Dean Hunt, an LSU associate professor, regularly tutors there.

The center operates on faith. “I was influenced by George Mueller, who ran a faith-funded orphanage,” explained Brown. “Money has come in the mail for the center. Adventists and other Christians have helped. The young people have, too.”

While very grateful for the university’s award, Brown said, “My best award came in a young woman’s letter. She had come to the center when younger and wrote, ‘I had to write about some outstanding person in history for my college class, so I did my paper on you.’”

Brown teaches oil painting and classes in recycled art that create revenue for the center. “Like the butterfly emerging from a caterpillar, recycled art is really about recycling lives. Out of the broken pieces of our lives, God can still make a masterpiece.”

Brown mentors 12 youth ages 7-13 with Bible studies, entrepreneurial projects and summer camping trips. Two center students recently were baptized at the Breath of Life Church where Brown attends. A number of lay people from the church volunteer at the center.

Three young women from the Watts Center attend Los Angeles Adventist Academy, where his wife, Charla, teaches English. For readers interested in assisting, oil paints and small recyclables would be welcome. To contact James Brown, call 323-973-4999 or 213-434-1329.