Reanda Fields’ vision of developing a youth center where kids can gather after school and during the summer months is a dream that continues to live on.
Despite recent struggles to find a facility that is large enough to accommodate the ComeUnity Center, Fields is moving forward with her family’s crusade, willing to start from the ground up if she has to.
“Last month, our lease for the building on Highway 90 in Luling was dissolved due to disputes with the landlord,” she said. “Now, I’m entering the next phase of our project, which will allow us to raise money to help cover rent costs at a different location or the construction of a new building.”
Fields’ “Each One Give One” fundraising campaign is developed around the notion that every St. Charles Parish resident can have a hand in making the actuality of a parish youth center become a reality.
“The idea is that if each person would commit to give only $1 a month, or $12 a year, we could raise the money to build a community center,” Fields said. “The center is not only needed, but it is one of the only things the parish does not have.”
A full-service facility – complete with basketball courts, a swimming pool and skate park – is what Fields desires in order to keep kids off of the streets and in a safe environment.
“A youth center is a place where kids can go after-school and in the summer months to find jobs, mentors, social and recreational activities, and resources that will enable them to excel in a diverse society,” she said. “And that’s what we want to bring to our parish.”
In an effort to get the word out, student volunteers from local high schools have signed up to inform area businesses and residents about the campaign.
“We have just over 200 kids who have joined our efforts,” Fields said. “We’ll have a meeting with them in the near future to go over all the necessary literature for marketing, and we’ve also partnered with a group of talented art students to design the flyers and T-shirts for the campaign.”
But with a daunting economy, Fields has her work cut out for her.
“I realize many families are facing tough financial times, but I don’t want them to be discouraged not to donate,” she said. “The money collected will go towards preventative causes and education that will help guide our children in the right direction and stay focused.”
Fields points out that supporting these types of programs now prevents having to shell out money later for untimely events such as teenage pregnancy and remedial education.
“Most of us throw away $1 everyday on one thing or another. When you look at it from that perspective, $1 a month is manageable and well worth it,” she said. “There’s a lot of good that will come from these donations.”
In addition to monthly donations, one-time gifts and different levels of sponsorships are available.
“We’ve developed a very flexible sponsorship program that gives businesses and residents a variety of donation options,” Fields said.
To learn more about the ComeUnity Center or to make a donation, visit www.comeunitycenter.com or call 504-723-2485.
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