In 2016, Venus and Serena Williams opened the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) in Compton, California, where they grew up. Named for their oldest sister, who was tragically killed by gunshot in 2003, YPRC, a project by the nonprofit Driving Force Group, collaborates with local organizations in providing trauma-informed services to victims of direct and indirect violence in the community and beyond. Led by director Kellee Kemp, a Los Angeles native, the center—currently donating 250-plus bags of healthy groceries each week in partnership with local nonprofit Alma Backyard Farms—will soon reopen with a new look courtesy of V Starr, Greydiantscape Architecture, and Equity Residential. Here, Kemp discusses healing, dignity, and the importance of human-centered design.
What is the mission of YPRC?
The [Willams] family and the community suffered a tremendous loss when Yetunde was killed. The family had the resources to help with their healing journey, [but] they realized not everyone who lives in Compton and the surrounding areas has that ability. We offer free programming that centers on healing financially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and an art therapist. I’ve worked in community mental health all of my professional career, and tried to create a place where you can access healing on a continuum. There is a lot of stigma against mental health in the Black and brown community and we’re just getting to a place where it’s more accepted. I wanted to offer programming—from arts and crafts and senior community nights to individual therapy—so that no one feels this is not a place for them.
What is your trauma-informed approach like?
It’s holistic. It’s paint color choices, the way that you greet someone, the way you set up chairs. It’s being mindful of the person who is in front of us, and understanding that trauma is a huge umbrella term and can mean a variety of things. If we take the thought that everyone in Compton has been affected by trauma in some way, then everyone we meet, we meet with that level of understanding. That can get lost. Focusing on your mental health was something that white, rich people did. As we’re realizing how important it is, and creating spaces that are accessible to everyone, we have to understand the trickle-down effect.
The lobby of the redesigned YPRC, shown in a rendering
How does that philosophy make the center stand out?
What we do really well is treat every person who walks through the door with dignity, making this space feel homey. A lot of times you can go into an office and it feels cold and sterile and you’re just another number. We have fresh flowers, aromatherapy candles, a diffuser, calming music, and dim lighting. All of those things support the healing of others. We offer people beverages and a snack because if your basic needs aren’t met, you can’t function. So, let’s start at a place of acceptance, warmth, love, and humanization, and then we can move and help whoever’s in front of us get what they need to get done. People go to other offices for support and they feel defeated and so much shame. What if the providers looked at our industry in the way that the hospitality industry does, to create a sense of safety and even have a moment where people can feel like they’ve escaped their everyday?
What are you looking forward to at the redesigned center?
We have this beautiful mural that has been there since we opened. They’ve taken its warm colors and extended them throughout. We will have beautiful wood floors. We’re going to have a kitchen. The light leading into the space, it’s going to feel like a sunny day all the time. We are opening up the building, taking down some of the walls so that you can feel that sense of community when you walk in.
Photo courtesy of YPRC and rendering courtesy of GREYDIANTSCAPE Architecture Inc.
This article originally appeared in HD’s November 2020 issue.
