Teen partners with architect in renovation project for Santa Barbara Police Activities League

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Rebecca Barretto is a teen who visits the Santa Barbara police activities league every week. 

“Basically, like my second home I’ve made a lot of friendships here and I’ve gained a lot of new skills and so many opportunities and just to be more involved with my community," said Barretto.

Barretto’s dream is to become an architect.

“Very excited ever since I was 5 years old I knew I wanted to be an architect. I used to rearrange my doll houses and I made my dad build me like a six story house for my dolls," said Barretto.

Now she’s collaborating with architect Jesiy Richards to help renovate the organization’s twelve35 Teen Center.

"I love working with Rebecca. She’s so passionate and energetic and I think it’s amazing that she has an idea of what she wants to do with her future," said Richards.

Together, the dynamic duo is going over designs to improve safety, accessibility, and functionality of the teen center.

"We’ve outgrown the  facility and there’s too many youth. They’re here too many hours a day and we just need to impact them a little bit more," said executive director Judie Lugo of SBPAL.

Thanks to a $110,000 grant from the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, SBPAL will be able to cover construction costs for various renovations including courtyard accessibility, office space, bathrooms, computer room, and kitchen upgrades.

Renovations are set to begin once permits are finalized.

"The woman’s fund and are young ladies that were planning this amazing remodel it just it became a reality so it’s extremely exciting for us," said Lugo.

Barretto looks forward to how the renovations will enhance local teens’ overall experience at the center.

“Excited for me because at such a young age, I get to be part of something and see it come to life and actually be built," said Barretto.

“So she’s gonna make this dream a reality with her amazing mentor who has been helping us supporting her and now she can say she made the dream come true with the support of other women," said Lugo.

The SBPAL TEAM expects construction of the renovations to begin by the end of summer.

The SBPAL operates the Twelve35 Teen Center, providing after-school activities and mentoring for young people ages 11-18.