MANSFIELD, Ohio–The Dewald Community Center celebrated their 10 year anniversary on Saturday. Operated by the Mansfield chapter of the Salvation Army, the facility hosts educational and recreational programs that staff and volunteers hope will improve lives of area residents.
A program on Saturrday highlighted past accomplishments and outlined future goals for the center.
The Dewald Center had its beginning when Dr. Donald Dewald and Major William Todhunter of the Salvation Army met while undergoing cancer treatments. Those present at Saturday’s program say they do not believe that meeting was by chance.
The vision for the center has been helping area youth obtain skills for life and better employment options. Representatives from the center say their goal is “to prepare the way for individuals of all ages to make positive life choices and to experience academic, emotional, social and spiritual growth.”
Over 500 youth have participated in their educational programs over the past decade. The programs are said to have improved reading comprehension by one grade level for over two-thirds of those students. Mayor Evan Hickman said the center has assisted students from all local public schools and nine private or charter schools.
Steve Rizzo, Principal of Mansfield’s John Sherman Elementary School, stressed the importance of the learning center’s programs. “Reading is as important as exercise, it is exercise for the mind,” Rizzo said.
The facility also hosts adult programs including literacy training, computer skills and budget workshops. Meeting space is available for nonprofit groups to use for community programs.
Salvation Army representatives say they want to build on literacy intervention efforts with increased staffing and revitalized programming. They say they hope to have more parent and family events.
On hand for the program were Salvation Army officials, included captains Randy and Marci Orr who were instrumental in the center’s beginning. Captains Melissa and Andy Betts were among the local staff participating in Saturday’s program.
A proclamation was presented by Mayor Timothy Theaker and Richland County Commissioner Gary Utt. Center Director Brenda Nelson acknowledged the important role of volunteers in making the center a reality.
Public tours of the renovated facility were available after the program.
