SALISBURY, MD – The City of Salisbury and Mayor Jacob Day are pleased to announce the Newton Community Center’s official opening. Earlier today, officials gathered at the community center to cut the ribbon on the new facility. They also offered tours and information about future programming at the community center.
The community center was dedicated ceremoniously at today’s ribbon cutting as the Copeland House at Newton Community Center in honor of the Copeland family’s dedication to our community. This house raised a family of dreamers and their legacy will continue as the Newton Community Center fosters the next generation of dreamers.
Newton Community Center will offer programming for children and adults alike to truly serve the community it is surrounded by. Beginning this Summer, programming for children ages 6-18 will include arts & crafts, poetry and creative writing, lego league, music, movies, and more. Other community partners such as Salisbury University, Wicomico Public Libraries, and Salisbury Poet Laureate Nancy Mitchell, have agreed to provide programming at the center. Beacon of Light Church has also generously offered to provide community outreach support such as food and snacks as well as programming support.
“When it came to programming, we wanted to be sure that we were providing offerings for all members of the community and their different needs,” shared Director of Housing and Community Development Ron Strickler. “We’ve worked closely with community partners to develop courses and programs that cater not only to school aged children, but adults in our community as well,” he added.
As Fall approaches, programming will change to better accommodate children’s school schedules. Staff and volunteers will be available for homework help every afternoon. The center will also provide snacks and offer other engaging after school activities.
In addition to the Newton Community Center’s offerings geared toward school-aged children, the center will begin offering programming geared toward adults. Wor-Wic Community College has partnered with the community center to offer GED and ESOL classes in the fall and spring semesters. Another community partner, Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services, also plans to host homebuyer education classes at the center.
“This community center is truly a labor of love. Love that we will put back into our community through programming, course offerings, and giving kids a safe, constructive place to go after school or over the summer,” shared Mayor Jacob Day. “Thank you to all of the people that worked so hard to make this happen, thank you to our incredible community partners, and thank you to city staff and the community for helping us open the doors to much more than a community center,” he added.
To learn more about the Newton Community Center and its future offerings, visit https://salisbury.md/?p=33197
If you or your organization is interested in becoming a community partner please contact Rachel Manning at rmanning@salisbury.md
