The Omaha Kroc Center will be strategically located in the heart of the city's underserved, culturally diverse south side. The almost 125,000-square-foot facility and numerous outdoor athletic fields will be situated on 16 acres of land, the bulk of which was donated by the city. The existing Omaha South Side Corps will relocate to the RJKCCC.
"The center will make a wonderful difference for individuals, families and the neighborhood," said Western Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel William Harfoot. "We are thrilled to have secured this gift for Omaha."
To help RJKCCC participants reach their God-given potential, the center's programs and services will follow a four-pronged approach to benefit the body, mind, spirit and soul, all within a Christian atmosphere.
Physical recreation will be provided through an aquatic complex with three pool areas for hot-water therapy, lap and family swimming; a gymnasium complex with three gyms, fitness center, rock-climbing wall and game room, plus programs for basketball, boxing, wrestling, volleyball and gymnastics. Outdoor fields will accommodate soccer, flag football, softball and baseball, along with tennis courts, playgrounds, a skate park and horseshoe pits. An outdoor "festival plaza" is planned for neighborhood events.
Educational opportunities-supported by large classrooms, a library and computer lab-will include English as a second language, youth and adult literacy, tutoring, first aid, computer training, classes in parenting, finance and basic life skills, plus character-building groups (scouting, adventure corps, sunbeams, girl guards). The arts will cover
theater, dance, music, photography, watercolor, pottery, communications and storytelling, plus self-defense and martial arts. Recitals, concerts and gallery showings will be held.
Spiritual life will encompass worship services in English, Spanish and Sudanese, Christian education, Bible studies, prayer meetings, day camps, vacation Bible school, musical groups and leadership training. Social services will provide emergency food/rent assistance, counseling, youth mentoring, immigrant services and job training, along with recovery groups and health screening.
According to Majors Herb and Yaneth Fuqua, Kroc Center administrators, "Helping individuals discover their talents and abilities in the arts, athletics and education is a major part of our emphasis. The Kroc Center offers an opportunity for a positive life-changing experience in the midst of all the fun, sports, drama and education." Herb continued, "The Kroc Center is designed with all ages in mind and offers something for everyone in the Omaha community."