A ground breaking has been held for a $250,000 expansion of the Centralia Community Youth Center.
Board member and Centralia City Councilman Izzy Fontenez is looking forward to the larger facility.
“Able to be part of this is one of the greatest things of all the titles that I have. Being able to help the youth of Centralia and give things for kids to do. Getting this grant from the State, and you hear a lot of people talk about how the State doesn’t do anything for us, it’s refreshing to see something so close to home and so useful to us in the city.”
Executive Director Herb Williams says the larger facility means a lot more opportunities for young people.
“We are happy. It’s a long time coming. I’ve been here 9 years and one of my goals when I started was to get us room for expansion so we can get more things for the kids. Hopefully, we will have a game room, conference rooms, meeting rooms, and things to enhance the things to do in the city for the kids, so we are looking forward to it.”
Community Center Board President Mel Kelly says this is a ‘Dream Come True’ for us. She adds it will also bring about a need for more volunteers and tutoring.
Centralia Community Youth Center Executive Director Herb Williams talks about the expansion project at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo Pat Hodges.
