In partnership with the Pulaski Community Youth Center, Pulaski County is currently pursuing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant through the Department of Housing and Community Development. Established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2015, the Center plans to operate an after-school care program out of the former Riverlawn Elementary School in Fairlawn. Anticipated programs and activities will include tutoring, health and well-being activities, a computer lab, a full-size gym, and a healthy dinner for each child. With donated funds and volunteer labor, the Center has already begun renovating several of the former classrooms where it will host its programs. Some programs are already underway, such as a Robotics Team that was founded in the fall of 2017 and sponsored by Volvo.
To date, Pulaski County has hosted a community meeting to share more information on the project and created a beneficiary survey to document the potential need for this service. Since CDBG funds prioritize projects that serve low-to-moderate income households, the Center must document that it can serve at least 51% low-to-moderate income families with this program. Planning Grant funds will also assist with conceptual design for a future phase and providing technical assistance to build a strong business model and operating budget. The Center hopes to open in the beginning of 2018 and initially serve up to 50 local middle school youth.
For further information, please contact Jennifer Wilsie (jwilsie@nrvrc.org), 540-639-9313, ext. 204.