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Center brings hope to Chicago community.
More than 4,000 Chicagoans attended the grand opening of the long-awaited Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center on June 16. The 167,000-square-foot center has the city’s largest array of sports, arts and educational programs for the public.
“When there is no vision, the people perish,” said Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. “The Salvation Army had a vision. As we bring people together, there is a spirit of family, a spirit of community. There is violence in our neighborhoods. We need to end the silence and speak out…we can do it as a community.”
Funded in large part by the late Joan Kroc as well as community partners and supporters, the facility offers a sports training center, aquatic center, arts academy, educational center and chapel.
The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony brought together representatives from The Salvation Army, elected officials, community residents and donors. A special presentation from Joan Kroc’s granddaughter, Amanda Latimer, included her grandmother’s words, “Serve others joyously and your reward will be great. Carry with you the message of charity and brotherly love.”
The Salvation Army hopes the new center will curb violence in the West Pullman community, create jobs and offer a place of peace and safety for area children.
