A news conference is held Tuesday at Live Again Fresno's site to celebrate $1 million in state funding. Photo via Assemblymember Arambula's office

Live Again Fresno, a nonprofit that provides a safe place for children from struggling families, was presented with $1 million by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula on Tuesday, helping the nonprofit’s plans for a permanent home.

The funding, secured in this year’s state budget, will help pay for a new site for the nonprofit, which currently serves nearly 400 children in after-school programs and activities.

Recently, the organization was featured in the documentary “Motel Drive,” which focused on a struggling Fresno family’s fight to survive.

“The work of Live Again Fresno is rooted deeply in relationship and love for our community,” said Live Again Fresno Founder and Executive Director Richard Burrell. “Today, we are creating change that will show up in the lives of these children’s grandchildren.”

Burrell founded the nonprofit organization in 2012 after personally experiencing homelessness and gang affiliation. Growing up, Burrell’s family lived in the motels on Parkway Drive, also referred to as Motel Drive, a part of Fresno that has become synonymous with drugs and prostitution.

In 2012, Burrell met more than 30 children living on Parkway Drive. Their story motivated Burrell to found the nonprofit organization.

“Richard has lived these children’s experiences and has worked tirelessly to provide them a safe haven from the trauma that they have seen in their young lives,” Arambula said in a press release. “His leadership and the dedication of the organization’s staff and volunteers have been tremendous.”

Live Again Fresno works closely with the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, as well as the Fresno Unified School District, whose program, Project ACCESS, provides support to homeless students.

“Live Again Fresno represents the very best our community has to offer – every day, they are lifting up and investing in the youth and families in the Motel Drive neighborhood,” said Ashley Swearengin, President and CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation. “Thanks to this significant investment from the State of California, their work will help transform the whole neighborhood.”

Live Again Fresno is currently located at 1145 W. Hedges Ave. in Fresno. Residents can find more information on the nonprofit by visiting liveagainfresno.org, or by calling (559) 519-3183.