Cedar Rapids Weather
H.D. Youth Center Work UnderwayBy Dave Franzman, Reporter
CEDAR RAPIDS - A popular before and after school stop for kids in Cedar Rapids is about to get new life.
The H.D. Youth Center that was swept away by flooding in June 2008 could have a new home in about 90 days And founder Henry Davison is taking a leap of faith with some of the financing. Davison started the center at 1006 Third St. S.E. in 1997. And the site provided a safe place for kids to learn and have fun. Once the flood made that building unusable, Davison found a temporary home at the Jane Boyd Community Center. But Davison says he can only provide a before school breakfast there and not the important after school programs aimed at keeping kids out of trouble. That's why building a new center was so important. Davison, 84, purchased an old laundromat building at 1445 Mt. Vernon Road S.E. last month. And on Thursday, volunteers began the first demolition work that should result in a new youth center in as little as 90 days. Davison says he sees kids who took part in his programs all the time...and they all ask the same thing. "The children want to know when are you going to open up. The kids miss it as much as I do--you know. And that's important, it lets me know, Henry, you better get to work," Davison said. Davison started construction about $35,000 short of the amount needed to finish the project. He's hoping the community will step up during construction to make sure it happens. Out-of-work union trades members have stepped up already. Laborers, carpenters, electricians and many other crafts who don't have paying work at the moment have agreed to rebuild the laundromat for free. On Thursday, at least 10 laborers from Local #43 volunteered to get the remodeling started. Jerimie Maker, one member, said he had no problem getting volunteers. "I called the guys on the list and I rounded up 10 guys for today to volunteer their time--so that was great of them, " Maker said. Davison says he appreciates the use of space at another community center...but knows he can do so much more with a place of his own. Davison says union members may be doing the heavy volunteer lifting for the construction, but he will need other volunteers later when the project is finished. And, of course, he needs donations. Anyone interested in helping can visit www.hdyouthcenter.com. More Good Stuff |
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