Recovery Act Funding making a Difference in Charleston, South Carolina

Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, City of Charleston, South Carolina

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and members of the City of Charleston, South Carolina City Council dedicated the 7.3 Arthur W. Christopher Community Center earlier this year. Larry Knightner, Columbia, South Carolina HUD Field Office Director participated in this dedication in which $286,702 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act HUD Community Development Block Grant Funds were awarded to develop this outstanding facility.

The Arthur W. Christopher Community Center will provide the following activities for residents in the City of Charleston: summer camps, nutrition classes, exercise classes for seniors, adult exercise and fitness classes, dance classes for youth and adults, art classes for youth and adults, yoga classes, karate classes, tutoring for students, educational seminars for youth and adults, sports programs and leagues, special community events for the public and other afterschool programs.

The Arthur W. Christopher Community Center is named in honor of the Late Mr. Arthur W. Christopher, Sr. who was an outstanding community leader and statesman that was committed to social justice and community leadership. He provided mentorship and educational opportunities for the young people that grew up in the City of Charleston.

Specifically, Mr. Christopher served on the City of Charleston City Council where he served as Mayor Pro Tempore. He also served on following City of Charleston City Council Committees: Ways and Means, Real Estate, Chairperson of the Public Safety and Traffic Committee, City Market Advisory and Personnel Committee. Mr. Christopher also was President of the West Side Civic Club, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Trident Review Board and the Association of the Blind.

In addition to Mr. Christopher key leadership positions, his greatest love was for young children, their educational progress and their achievements that enabled them to be future leaders in the City of Charleston, South Carolina, the State of South Carolina and the United States of America. The coupling of his individual achievements and love for children merited Mr. Christopher this distinction of having this Community Center named in his honor.

The development of this multipurpose facility and economic development stimulus in the City of Charleston is a clear indication of the major good that is being recognized by communities throughout South Carolina and the United States because of the funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.