The Stockton City Council is taking action to address the recreational needs of the city's youth by pledging $2 million to support local nonprofits providing youth services. This decision comes after years of declining child-friendly venues in Stockton and increasing demands from young residents for more engaging activities.
In 2005, the beloved Golfland with its iconic water slides closed, giving way to a retail shopping center. The following year, Hammer Skate, a popular hangout spot, also shuttered, and the space remained vacant for five years before becoming a Walgreens Pharmacy. In 2007, Naughty Nick's on Benjamin Holt Drive closed its doors, leaving some teenagers with limited places to socialize in Stockton. It was replaced by the 21+ Cameo Club card room.
Another significant closure that disappointed families was John's Incredible Pizza Co., which ceased operations in Stockton in 2011. The once-entertainment palace on March Lane and Pershing Avenue is now an In-Shape gym.
Since these venues closed, not many kid-friendly places have emerged to fill the void, leaving young people hungry for family-friendly activities. Some local nonprofits have attempted to bridge this gap by engaging youth and keeping them occupied, but limited options within a short drive have remained a challenge.
In May, the Stockton City Council made a commitment to allocate $2 million to support nonprofits dedicated to providing youth services. Following a thorough vetting process spanning several months, council members have now approved grants for 14 organizations this week, with amounts ranging from $52,500 to $225,000.
The selected organizations and their respective grants include:
- San Joaquin County Child Abuse Prevention Council: $181,621
- The Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center: $223,012
- Children's Home of Stockton: $225,000
- Women's Center-Youth & Family Services: $191,599
- Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin: $175,000
- Uplift All Foundation: $86,434
- Read to Me, Stockton!: $52,500
- Improve Your Tomorrow: $144,600
- City Center of San Joaquin: $149,136
- Mary Magdalene Community Services: $150,000
- Concrete Development Inc.: $127,413
- African American Chamber: $143,730
- YMCA of San Joaquin: $150,000
- Inspire Me Inc.: $67,989
These organizations represent diverse initiatives and services aimed at improving the lives of Stockton's youth. From child abuse prevention to family support, literacy programs, and more, these nonprofits are committed to addressing the unique needs of young people in the community.
During a recent city hall meeting, community members voiced their strong support for the selected organizations and the city's focus on youth programs and development. Christina Peoples, the executive director of The Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center, emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for teenagers. Her organization's proposal centers around establishing a youth center, a project that teenagers themselves have advocated for.
Irie Woods, a member of the Whole Life Center, shared her personal experience and the transformative impact of nurturing environments on youth. She highlighted the clear lack of safe and nurturing spaces for young people in Stockton and expressed hope that the allocated funds would help address this deficit.
Teen Ely Cook echoed these sentiments, stressing that Stockton's youth have longed for more activities. She described Stockton as a place where young people often find themselves with little to do, emphasizing the need for positive alternatives.
The allocation of $2 million aligns with the city council's priorities for 2023, which include enhancing quality of life, increasing literacy, developing the workforce, and expanding youth programming. This funding will enable these nonprofits to make a significant impact on the lives of Stockton's youth, offering them opportunities for growth, engagement, and personal development.
As these organizations embark on their missions to enrich the lives of young residents in Stockton, the city anticipates a brighter future with improved opportunities for its youth. This investment signifies a pivotal step toward meeting the entertainment and engagement needs of Stockton's children, providing them with hope, empowerment, and a sense of belonging within their community.
Mayor Kevin Lincoln hailed the vote as "a full circle moment" for the city council, acknowledging the courage and passion of young people who advocated for change. District 2 Councilman Dan Wright expressed his commitment to repeating the process in the future, ensuring that Stockton's youth continue to receive support and opportunities for personal growth.
In other council actions, additional funding was approved for the completion of Stockton's homeless navigation center, and the acceptance of a $4,299,722 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will enable the Stockton Fire Department to hire seven full-time firefighters.
For more local news and updates, you can reach out to Record reporter Hannah Workman at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. To support local news, you can subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
