The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation held a grand opening for its new teen center, Club 904, on Sept. 9 with remarks from Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, founder MaliVai Washington, Jacksonville City Council members and high school students who attend the program.
The foundation announced its vision for the center nearly three years ago. Since then, the community raised more than $5.5 million, and the foundation partnered with the City of Jacksonville to construct the 14,000-square-foot facility.
Club 904 features a high school lounge and study hall; teaching kitchen; game, theater and music rooms; and general classrooms.
The center will offer services, including academic assistance, college preparation, job and leadership training, a variety of life skills and elective courses; and social activities.
“I want every child in every ZIP code to have the tools and resources they need to be successful,” said Curry. “This foundation played a critical role – a very critical role in that mission … The work you’re doing is important. It’s important to the children, to the families, the neighborhood and the entire city of Jacksonville.”
The foundation will be able to triple the amount of students served by using this new space.
Club 904 is expected to provide a safe, supportive space for teens to spend their after-school hours and summer. It will help them grow into future leaders and become successful members of the community while breaking cycles of poverty there, according to the foundation.
The foundation is an after-school and summer youth development program in Jacksonville’s urban core. It promotes academic achievement and positive life skills.
For further information, go to malwashington.com.
