USA South Progress Report

Atlanta

The Atlanta center was dedicated October 31, 2008. Many programs, such as the summer music conservatory, adult literacy, art, dance and drama, are in full swing. There are several local community organizations that frequently use the center.

Augusta

$34.9 million match has been identified and local endowment campaign was completed on November 4, 2009. Ground-breaking ceremony was held Feb. 3, 2010. Construction began Feb. 15, 2010. As of July 1, the center is 14 percent complete.

Biloxi

The Biloxi project has progressed well in the last couple of months. Construction completion goal is Dec. 31, 2010. The project enjoys significant community support, particularly from the public sector. As of July 1, the center is 13 percent complete.

Greenville

All local matching funds have been identified. Construction is 25 percent complete as of July 1, with a completion goal of fall 2011.

Kerrville

Construction is 66 percent complete, and the grand opening is set for October 2010.

Louisville

Pending

Memphis

Memphis has completed all required documents, and is now under contract. Construction, as of July 1, is seven percent complete. Summer 2011 is the projected completion date.

Tidewater

Tidewater recently completed a feasibility study and has started the endowment campaign. A site location has been identified, and negotiations for purchase are underway.

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers have strong impact on Southern ministry landscape

Since the endowment of Mrs. Joan Kroc, late wife of Mr. Ray Kroc – McDonald’s founder – was announced, the USA South has advanced in its progression of how many centers will be built; what their timelines for construction include; and which programs each center will operate at the proposed Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers.

Memphis center under construction

By Stephen Hackett

Memphis Kroc Center design

After a groundbreaking in March 2010 that was standing-room only despite temperatures just above freezing, The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Memphis, Tenn., is well underway.

With site preparation complete, construction crews are now pouring footings and the foundation of the 104,000 square-foot facility.

The construction site is not the only component of the project that is in progress. The staff is growing — with a staff accountant and the membership outreach manager recently joining the team.

This tank will be used to recycle water.

Employees are busy working together to shape the programs and administrative systems that will provide services for the Memphis community. Strategic partnerships with local youth organizations and schools are forming. These relationships are key to the center becoming an effective tool for change in the lives of both inner-city and suburban youth.

Recently, three large red tanks were installed underground at the northeast corner of the property. These tanks are part of a water recycling system that will use rainwater to water the soccer fields and other landscaping on the center’s campus.

This system is part of a comprehensive green program that will earn the Memphis Kroc Center a LEED silver certification, an award given to building projects that are environmentally friendly.

Lunch ministry cares for construction workers in Augusta

By Valerie Phillips Johnson

It was about 100 degrees in the Augusta, Ga., shade at 11:30 a.m. when The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center construction workers began crossing the street for lunch. Captain Wilma Mason, associate Kroc administrator, initiated the monthly lunch ministry for the workers. “I just felt in my heart that they needed to know they were not just constructing another building, but a building which could change the community in which it is built,” she said.

Captain Wilma Mason started the lunch ministry.

Lunch is served to 85-125 construction workers, and is informal: Captain Mason can be heard on the bullhorn reminding the workers to share in a hot meal and cold drinks on the day of the luncheon. She begins the meal with prayer, and either she or Captain Todd Mason, Kroc administrator, pray for the workers’ safety and their families at the end of lunch. Advisory and junior advisory board members, and employees, serve meals and dine with the workers.

Bill Salyers, who has been in construction for 20 years, said he is grateful that The Salvation Army cares enough to feed them and show appreciation for their work.