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St. Joseph Non-Profit Aims to Build $3 Million Community Center

A local non-profit organization in St. Joseph, Illinois, is on a mission to raise funds for a new multi-purpose community center near the sports complex. The St. Joseph Recreation Foundation has already gathered over $1 million towards their $3 million goal, aiming to create a space that meets the diverse needs of the community.

Key Takeaways

Project Cost: $3 million
Funds Raised: Over $1 million
Location: Near the sports complex
Facilities: Kitchen, bar, event space, covered outdoor area
Emergency Use: Will serve as a shelter during severe weather

Community Need for a Center

The initiative stems from a recent community survey indicating a strong desire for a community center in St. Joseph. Many residents expressed the need for a venue to host various events such as:

Wedding receptions
Graduations
Ceremonies
Fundraisers

James Page, president of the St. Joseph Recreation Foundation, emphasized the importance of keeping local spending within the community. He noted that many residents currently travel to neighboring towns for such events, which impacts local economic development.

Features of the Proposed Center

The proposed community center will be a five-acre facility designed to cater to a variety of functions. Key features include:

Kitchen: For catering and food services during events.
Bar: A space for refreshments during gatherings.
Event Space: A versatile area that can accommodate different types of events.
Covered Outdoor Area: For outdoor activities and events, providing shelter from the elements.

Emergency Preparedness

In addition to serving as a community hub, the center will also play a crucial role in emergency preparedness. The St. Joseph Recreation Foundation is collaborating with the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to ensure the facility can function as:

An emergency shelter for families and athletes during severe weather events.
A warming or cooling station during extreme temperature conditions.

Future Plans

The foundation plans to break ground on the community center by June 2026. Once completed, the center will not only serve the community but will also generate revenue to support ongoing maintenance and improvements to the facility and surrounding parks.

How to Contribute

Community members interested in supporting this initiative can contribute to the fundraising efforts. The foundation is actively seeking donations to help reach their $3 million goal, ensuring that the community center becomes a reality for St. Joseph residents.