Community center holds ribbon cutting

Emmanuel Family Life Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 12, and tenants are beginning to move in.  It is a place where people can access resources to help build our community in the Liberty Park neighborhood,” said Spencer Grainger, interim director of the center at 631 S. Richard Allen Ct.

Ribbon cutting at Emmanuel Family Life Center

Emmanuel Family Life Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 12 and tenants are moving in under its temporary occupancy permit.

“This is a place for anyone to come to find access to resources that will help build our community in the Liberty Park and East Central neighborhoods,” said Spencer Grainger, interim director of the new community center at 631 S. Richard Allen Court, beside Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and part of the Richard Allen Enterprises campus of apartments, a day care, Interfaith Hospitality and other programs.

Steve Becker, speaking on behalf of Governor Christine Gregoire, said that while many people are tempted to talk of what they don’t have and can’t do, walking into the building and seeing what this community has done, he imagined “the lives that will be shaped and touched here.”

Spokane Mayor Mary Verner commented:  “Look what the Lord has done,” noting excitement about what Spokane is accomplishing through projects like this.

“The spirit of Spokane is intangible, but it’s here today as we feel community, commitment, a bond in hard times and a sense of being gracious with each other,” she said, pleased with the access to resources available through Emmanuel Family Life Center.

“It will build community and forge strategic partnerships,” she said of the center, made like Habitat for Humanity through the “sweat equity” of its visionaries and planners.

African Methodist Episcopal Bishop T. Larry Kirkland of the fifth African Methodist Episcopal District simply quoted:  “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

He said the Rev. Lonnie Mitchell of Bethel AME envisioned the center as minister to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of people in the community.

Lonnie reminded the 200 gathered that it would not have been possible “without God’s help.”

As a reminder that the building is for the next generation so succeeding generations will grow up and serve the city, Spencer invited children of the Liberty Park Child Development Center to cut the ribbon.

For information, call 443-4884.

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