Kroc Centers are community centers run by the Salvation Army. When Mrs. Kroc died in 2003, she left $1.5 billion to the Salvation Army that was designated to build several community centers around the country.
The Green Bay Kroc Center has been six years in the making, said Capt. Ken Shiels, the senior Kroc Center Officer in the Green Bay area. The community had to apply to be considered for the community center and there was a whole application process including a local match of funds needed.
“The Kroc’s vision was to take care of basic needs like food, clothing and shelter and now once those basic needs are met we can give opportunities to advance [member’s] lives,” Shiels said. “Lots of people will be coming to a fitness center for the first time or taking a class for the first time. We are giving people the opportunities to advance themselves physically, academically and spiritually.”
Memberships will be sold a monthly fee and there will be a sliding fee scale based on income as well.
The community center will have offerings for all age groups from children to senior citizens. Programs range from family nights to after school programs to health and wellness assessments.
To find out more about the community center visit www.gbkroccenter.org.
