“If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is… to love God.”

• Reverend E. Swillis, April 2008, Board Member Spotlight

Reverend E. Swillis – spiritual leader and long time Board Commissioner – passed away on Friday, October 28, 2011.

Edward L. Swillis was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Reverend Swillis had a strong commitment to the youth in the community for over 56 years. In 1981, Reverend Swillis began his work with EOC serving as Board Commissioner and even housing the first cycle of Youthbuild corpsmembers at his church. He remained on the board until 2009.

The Reverend also served the community as board member on the Central Valley Minister’s Board, and Fresno County’s Social Services Advisory Board. During an interview in April 2008, Reverend Swillis said his greatest personal accomplishment was helping establish the first alcohol revocery home for African-Americans in West Fresno.

In July 2010, Reverend E. Swillis was honored for his 28 years of servitude, dedication, and commitment when EOC named our new youth center the Reverend E. Swillis Neighborhood Youth Center.

EOC thanks Reverend E. Swillis for his timeless dedication to the mission of our agency. You will be missed.