INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Freddie Woolfork of the Gifford Youth Activity Center came to the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday asking for an easement to be granted to provide electric service to three new classrooms on the Gifford Park grounds.
The item was added to the Board’s agenda and pulled for discussion before being voted forward 5-0.
Commissioners granted Florida Power and Light the easement and Woolfork explained that the modular buildings will allow GYAC to serve more young people in the Gifford area, enrolling them in enrichment programs.
“We’re trying to circumvent too many latch-key kids. These modular units will allow us to service another 75 students,” Woolfork told Commissioners. “Too many of our kids are becoming despondent by not having an education.”
Woolfork thanked the County staff and introduced his general contractor on the expansion, Robert Paul with Bill Bryant & Associates, and said the expanded facilities and programs would “help these kids enjoy the American dream and not the American nightmare of not having a good life.”
Since 1998, the nonprofit GYAC has provided educational programs, after-school enrichment, summer camps, recreational opportunities and a community gathering place for adults and children of all ages. Its 24,000 square foot facility includes classrooms, a gymnasium, a library and a computer lab and hosts a variety of groups, meetings and activities.
According to the GYAC website, the average daily attendance of its programs and services is 200 children and adults.
For more information, go to www.gyac.net.