Tri-Cities Corps Opens Up New Community Center
After two years of construction, The Salvation Army Tri-Cities Corps officially opened its new Community Center building in Newark on May 25th.
The 11,000 square foot Community Center will allow for an increase in social services assistance, create and expand both youth and educational programs, and will allow for more attendees of church services and programs. There is also a commercial size kitchen to provide meal services on a weekly basis.
The construction project has been primarily funded by donations through a $4.5 million capital campaign.
“We’re talking about nearly $5 million, so that’s just a major accomplishment by the community and by the board to get this done,” says Mark Linquist, who is an Alameda County Advisory Board member. “It’s worth it because this is now a first class facility. There’s a need for this in this community, a place to help and a place to worship, and now we have it here.”
The new building is constructed on a 14-inch concrete foundation, which could withstand significant ground movement and could allow for continued services in the aftermath of any major Bay Area earthquake.
The new center is located at the same site where The Salvation Army had operated its social services and church activities for more than 20 years until the facility was demolished in August of 2015.
Lieutenant Kim, one of the Tri-Cities officers said, “Now, the future is bright. We’re getting some to come back and worship, and I feel God is opening new doors for new people to come and experience what we have here.”