New Youth Center To Host Open House In/Around: East Central

A new youth center in the East Central neighborhood will open next month with a dedication ceremony and an open house.

The interdenominational Youth for Christ organization is remodeling a rundown commercial building on Fifth Avenue between Fiske and Haven streets to house the center.

A grand opening is planned for Sept. 5 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the new East Central Campus Life Center.

A dedication by private invitation is planned for 7 p.m.

The Youth for Christ International African Choir will perform.

More than 1,700 invitations are being mailed to residents in the area inviting them to the opening.

The center will serve mainly grade school and middle school children in the neighborhood. Programs will focus on helping children develop goals and self-esteem.

Children must join the youth center and comply with its rules to participate in the programs under the group known as Positive Activities for Awesome Kids (PAAK).

Membership rules will provide a measure of control and a safe environment for the youths, said Rick Kienholz, director of Youth for Christ in Spokane.

The center will begin taking registrations at the open house.

The two-story building next to Horseman’s Foods on Fifth Avenue had been condemned by the health district several years ago.

The 1915 building was once a boarding house and later reputedly housed a brothel.

The owner and Youth for Christ remodeled the building into an activity center on the main floor and four apartments on the upper floor.

City officials have approved using the apartments as temporary housing for staff members at the youth center or low-income people who can be helped with a temporary place to stay.

The remodeling also includes new windows, an awning and a mural of children on the west wall. The center plans to develop an adjacent lot as a playground.

Initially, Kienholz had hoped to open the center this month, but the opening has been delayed until after the dedication.

Youth programs will begin on Sept. 11, he said.

, DataTimes