VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) -
By Jade Bulecza - bio | email
VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) - A public housing complex has a new learning center, thanks to the help of a Valdosta State University student organization.
They raised tens of thousands of dollars to build the facility that will benefit families and their children at Ora Lee West apartments.
Contractors put the finishing touches on a new learning center at Valdosta's Ora Lee West Housing Complex. It only took a few months to complete, The Students In Free Enterprise Skills Success Center. But it's been in the planning stages for several years.
"We have a business advisory board whose been very generous with us in giving us donations and getting in kind donations from local businesses," said Joe Ervin, SIFE President.
They've collected 184,000 to build the center.
The building is a 1700 square foot learning center for children and families who live nearby.
"We're just excited to have the extra space for the center," said Mark Stalvey, Housing Authority Executive Director.
The current center that's right of front of the new one only has one room and with the new center soon,
"They'll be able to carry on the functions we have been doing but all at one time," said Stalvey.
Music, art, and computer rooms and areas where students can do their homework are some of the highlights.
"It will keep a lot of young children out of trouble and keep their head on the right path," said Johnny Bean, a resident.
Students in SIFE got inspired with children being so eager to learn at their after school program at Ora Lee West and they wanted to give back to the community by raising money to build the new center.
"Our students are very dedicated," said Joe Ervin, SIFE President.
And now the dream is a reality for that student group and for the Valdosta housing authority.
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