2005 Performance Based Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

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have failed. A child is a terrible thing to waste. That is why I am closing tonight's speech with a plea to support a once in a lifetime oppozturaity for our county. This opportunity is the result of the largest single gift to hwnan services in the history of philanthropy. Mrs. Joan B. Kroc donated $1.5 billion to the national Salvation Army to build and equip new, innovative community centers across the country. Her vision was that these state-of the-art facilities will provide programs and services which encourage life-changing experiences for children and adults, which strengthen families and enrich the lives of seniors. These centers will engage the promise of every child and be model centers for excellence and achievement. In San Diego, the first Kroc Center has swimming pools, including a therapy pool, a performing arts center, a fitness center, a child care center, an education center, with craft and photography room, an outdoor challenge (ropes) course, an indoor skate park and multi use spaces. More than 2,400 people use the facility each day. Each facility across the country will be different, designed to arneet the needs of the local community. Co~tition for these funds was intense. The St. Joseph County Salvation Army, with strong community support from many sectors, put together an outstanding application. It has beenpre-qualified fora $35 million grant to build a state•-of the-art Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center to provide youth and fmxaily enrichment. We are the only community in Indiana to be selected. Now the real work begins. Our community must raise an additional $8.75 million dollars in order far the project to move forward. We must have commitments by August for this vision to became a reality. Community advisory groups are working with local Salvation Army officials to develop specific programming components. There will be programs for Early Childhood Excellence, for Arts & Technology and for Leadership Development. A Peace Project will develop mentoring and violence prevention programs. The Center will faster excellence, achievement, learning and the exceptional experience of achieving one's full potential. Our 5t. Joseph County Kroc Center will be a regional destination for cuhure and the arts, where youth will have the opportunity to explore art, music and theater. Our community will thrive as a place where creative expression is nurtured and developed. There will also be investment in the workforce and in technology. Entrepreneurship will be encouraged and supported. Our children will be prepared not only to compete, but also to lead in the 21 ~ century and beyond. The Kroc Center will also strengthen families. A-41