Valley Gardens Center Celebrates National Neighborhood Networks Week

Valley Gardens owner, Bill Kennedy shares time on the playground with one of the complex’s young residents.

Tucked away on a quiet corner in the City of Huntsville is an affordable housing community called Valley Gardens that is one of the most beautiful apartment communities in the state. As you enter the property you cannot help but notice the scenic landscaping, the personalized bus stops, and playground equipment at three separate locations. The complex's buildings are also immaculately maintained and there is not as much as a hint of garbage to be seen. On this particular day residents and community volunteers are gathering at the community's Neighborhood Network Center to participate in the first of several activities in celebration of HUD's National Neighborhood Networks Week declaration.

Nancy Shepard (right standing) and Chris Miller of Calhoun Community College work with seniors, Bobbie Henderson and Ruth Porter, on basic computer skills. Ms. Miller who is the Director of Adult Education for Calhoun Community College also coordinates the GED classes that are held on site at the Center.

The Neighborhood Network Center at Valley Gardens Apartments is one of thirteen centers recognized nationally by HUD as Model Centers, and offers a wide range of educational and recreational opportunities for community residents. Instructors from Calhoun Community College offer GED classes year round at the Center. There are currently 40 residents enrolled in the GED program. In the past year 5 residents have completed their GED through the center and approximately 8 more are nearing completion at present. Instructors from Calhoun Community College also offer other adult education activities, including working with seniors in the community on enhancing their computing skills.

The Center also offers an after school tutorial program and summer enrichment program for the youth that reside in the community. Youth are provided with computer based tutorial opportunities in reading and math, as well as provided homework assistance through volunteer tutors.

This quilt was created by youth to document the activities of their Summer Enrichment Camp through Valley Gardens Neighborhood Network Center.

The Center operates under the leadership of Carolyn Harris who wishes to thank the many organizations that provide support. Organizations providing support to Valley Garden NN Center include: Oxford Properties, Alabama A University, Renasant Bank, Calhoun Community College and Huntsville City Schools.

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