"Babe" James Community Center
The "Babe" James Community Center is one of many Success Stories that have been locally nominated for recognition in celebration of CDBG's 30th Anniversary.
Success Story Details
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Grantee:
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County of Volusia, Florida
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Field Office:
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Jacksonville (Region 4)
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Carried Out By:
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Volusia County, FL
City of New Smyrna Beach, FL
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Eligibility:
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Public Facility Improvement
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Natl. Objective:
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Low/Moderate Income Area Benefit
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Funding:
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CDBG
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$1,103,780
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Other
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$ 185,020
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Total
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$1,288,800
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Date Started:
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September 1998
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Date Completed:
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December 2003
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IDIS Activity No:
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2081
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Grantee Contact:
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Diana Phillips (dphillips@co.volusia.fl.us), Housing & Community Development Director
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Grantee Website:
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Volusia County Government (http://www.volusia.org/)
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Success Story Description
During FY 2003/04, Volusia County Community Services in conjunction with the City of New Smyrna Beach completed construction of the Alonzo "Babe" James Community Center. The multi-year project included a total of $1,103,780 in CDBG funds and a total of $185,020 in City of New Smyrna Beach general fund dollars. The community center is a 15,885 square foot facility located in the heart of the City's disadvantaged area and provides numerous services to its approximate 1,500 low-income residents.
The City of New Smyrna Beach, The Boys and Girls Club of Flagler Volusia Counties and the New Smyrna Beach Police Athletic League jointly operate the "Babe" James Community Center. The facility's amenities include a full court gymnasium, a large game room, a computer lab, TV room, conference room, and art center. The facility is open on a daily basis for children and adults and provides opportunities for a variety of programs including basketball, table tennis, Tai Chi, and computer instruction.
The Boys and Girls Club (with support from the city) has an after school program that serves approximately 100 participants on a daily basis. There are 140 registered residents in the after-school program. The City (with support from the Boys and Girls Club) runs a Spring Break and Summer Fun Program. The City's Youth Basketball League and the Police Athletic League (PAL) practice and play some of their games in the gym. In addition to serving the youth of the community, the center is open to adults in the mornings and evenings for basketball, table tennis, table games and computer instruction.
The multi-purpose "Babe" James Community Center is a perfect example of how CDBG and community partners can make a difference in the lives of people living in the disadvantaged areas of our cities and counties.
Content Archived: April 20, 2011
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