Listen to this article
 CHILDREN at computer in “The Creator’s Corner” preschool at the Henley Youth Center. Photo by: Larry Freeman |
The Tustin Ranch Corps recently celebrated the opening of its new $2.8 million dollar Doy and Dee Henley Youth Center at the corps’ seven-acre site in Orange County, Calif.
The Youth Center was named for the Henleys, major donors and fundraisers for the facility. Doy Henley is a member of the Orange County Advisory Board.
Doy Henley stated that the Youth Center provides “a place where a child can feel safe, loved and cared for by a staff whose members serve as positive role models.”
Participating in the center’s dedication and open house were Tustin Mayor Jeffrey Thomas, Doy and Dee Henley, Tustin Ranch Corps Officers Captains Lee and Michele Lescano and Southern California Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Alfred R. Van Cleef. Over 300 people from the community as well as corps members attended the event.
The opening ceremony featured the Tustin Ranch Band and Junior Band and a flag salute led by the Girl Guard Honor Guard led by Karen Imai. Bandmaster Edward Freeman, also chair of the Orange County Advisory Board, gave the Invocation. CSM Warren Johnson was Master of Ceremonies. Director of Development Bruce Freeman introduced Doy and Dee Henley.
To meet the practical needs of children in a nurturing and loving environment, the Henley Youth Center will provide services and programs to the Tustin area of Orange County. Captain Lee Lescano, Orange County coordinator, said “Our mission is a commitment to quality care and age appropriate instruction to children in a caring setting that demonstrates the love of Jesus Christ through interaction with the staff and administration of the center.”
The center, a 24,900 square foot construction project, has a capacity of 761 people and includes a gymnasium, five classrooms, a multipurpose room and basement offices and storage.
Programs include: “The Creator’s Corner” Christian preschool and childcare center; an after-school learning center with arts and recreation; community assistance in times of emergency; sports leagues; church youth programs and a future music academy. The Youth Center director is Pam Rasmussen and Donnie Rasmussen is the director of children’s ministries.
“The Creator’s Corner” is a licensed Christian preschool with certified teachers, operates in the five classrooms and a playground. The 10,000 square foot school area will accommodate 75 children, two and one half to five years in age. The operating hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Preschool Director Betty Linstead and the three teachers opening the program have a combined child education experience of 100 plus years.