Real Life Church has announced the opening of their new neighborhood gathering place in Newhall. Savia: A Community Partnership, is a 23,000-square-foot center on Newhall Avenue that houses three non-profits: A Light of Hope, Single Mothers Outreach and the Domestic Violence Center, as well as the architect/builder of the project, Focus Buildings.

It opened its doors on Sunday, May 5 with the offering of two English-speaking services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and a Spanish-speaking service, Vida Real, at 12 p.m. in the 285-seat auditorium. Savia will also feature Artisan Java and Juice, a non-profit organic coffee, tea and juice bar, which is scheduled to open during the week of May 20.

They will donate 100 percent of their profits to local charities Their “mission is to invest in the community of Santa Clarita by providing a quality experience in and through your cup,” said General Manager Lori Knight. “…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.” A Wi-Fi work lounge, classrooms and conference rooms will also be 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,” said 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.” If you are interested in exploring this new venue, Savia will host a Community Open House on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and will include coffee and juice tasting at Artisan, live music, kids’ crafts and more.

Savia, translated, means the ‘energy,’ ‘vitality’ or ‘lifeblood’ of a tree. 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 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” George said.

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