Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale
For 48 years, the building at 1231 Kingstown Road in Wakefield served as a thrift store operated by the Jonnycake Center for Hope. However, with an increasing demand for after school activities, tutoring and mentoring opportunities, and a welcoming social center for the area’s youth, it was determined that this space would better serve the people of the community as a youth center. “We offered a variety of after school programs and formats at various locations around town. However, with the scheduling challenges and transitory nature of the programs, it was clear we needed a dedicated and welcoming space, where kids could get the attention they deserve,” said Kate Brewster, Chief Executive Officer of the Jonnycake Center. Repurposing this space will provide youth with access to a computer lab with printers, an area for academics and tutoring, a maker space and workshop, a recreational area, and most importantly will serve as a permanent hub which will provide a sense of normalcy and routine in their neighborhood. “Using the positive youth development model, we want to open this space to economically disadvantaged families to provide children with the tools they need to succeed, and to provide educational advocacy for parents. This space will have a huge impact in our community,” said Duran Searles, the Youth Center Director.
Cranston League for Cranston’s Future
The extensive renovations to both the gymnasium and the welcome area of the headquarters of Cranston Leage for Cranston’s Future (CLCF) have not only redefined their appearance, they have also redefined their place in the community. “This is really the story of how a community can come together,” says Steven Marocco, the past president of the organization. Through donations of time, money, materials, and labor, they were able to fully renovate their building and basketball court, serving over 4,000 youth from Cranston and the surrounding communities each year. Now fully ADA accessible, CLCF is able to partner with more organizations like the Special Olympics of RI to expand access to their facilities. “The most important part of this renovation is that we have the ability to meet the demands of the youth as they change—our programming isn’t static. We’re here to stay, we’ll still be relevant in 50 or 60 years,” said Steven. He also noted a sense of ownership that members have of the facility. “There’s a pride in the community, that we have a clubhouse this special, and people want to take care of it.”