A dedication for the new roof at the J.L. King Center was held Wednesday, honoring donors to the community funded project.
The roof replacement was funded with $28,000 raised in the “raise the roof” campaign this winter, with the goal being met in January, and the roof being installed by Redwood Roofing soon after.
“The J.L. King Center is important, because they’re equipping our community with skills and education,” said Christina Lucas, a realtor with Tom Smith Land and Homes and a donor to the campaign.
Allison Buehler, who led the “Raise the Roof” campaign, said the center is in good shape, but more work is needed, including installation of a HVAC system and various interior and exterior updates.
“We’ve got our programs up and running, we’ve got funding for the next two years, and we really would like to work on the inside, so that this is a more pleasant environment,” Buehler said.
Programs offered at the center include classes on cooking, health and other life skills, job fairs and training and other quality of life programs primarily directed at lower-income residents.
Donations for the remaining work can be addressed to the Emerson Family School, but must be earmarked for the King Center renovations.
Eight people were also recognized for completing 10 hours of health and wellness programs at the center.
“This place serves some of our people who are falling through the cracks otherwise,” Buehler said. “If we don’t serve those people, then our community is going to suffer overall.”