Page 8 - 7-10-15 Friday's Edition

Local New Life Village Continues To Fill Vital
Jewish Community Center Director Excited About West Tampa CRA
Role In Community
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
New Life Village is a unique intergenerational community founded to en- courage more people to adopt children who have been languishing in the fos- ter care system.
NLV also offers eligible families a home and sup- porter community with ac- tivities, programs, and services, and for eligible older adult resident volun- teers a home to provide basic support for the families and to engage in activities within the village. It is the mission of the families and older res- idents to make the village their own and to provide the network and support miss- ing in many communities and households.
Paul Halpern, Execu- tive Director of New Life Vil- lage, said they were fortunate to find an aban-
doned townhouse commu- nity near an industrial park, and with the vision of Sister Clair LeBoeuf, the 11.8 acre property in the Palm River community became a reality.
“We have really been for- tunate to have so many peo- ple care about what we’re trying to do here, and under- stand that it’s all for these children,” said Halpern.
“Last year when we had the problem with bicycle thefts, it was great to see the community come together and not just replace the stolen bicycles, but make sure they all had locks to se- cure them, and helmets for the riders.”
Halpern said New Life Village is always open for visitors, and they invited anyone interested in adopt- ing children to visit their website, then come by the village and see it all for themselves.
JACK ROSS Jewish Center Director
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Although a lot of people who hold a piece of the Ft. Homer Hesterly Armory in their memory chests were confused about its current tenants, the Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center is officially a part of the West Tampa CRA.
Center Director, Jack Ross, said they are moving forward with their plans to renovate the historic build- ing that will include a look back on past events held there, like professional wrestling, and concerts of African American perform- ers.
“I understand that when it comes to the CRA in West Tampa, everything is posi- tive and inclusive. That makes it beneficial to a lot of people.
“We want to be a part of the growth of West Tampa, and we are a part of the neighborhood.”
The historic Ft. Homer Hesterly Armory On Howard Avenue.
This is a rendering of what the Armory will look like after renovations are complete.
NEW LIFE VILLAGE
Ross said they are still raising funds for their re- building process, and they tentatively expect to open in September 2016.
“I have met with a cou- ple of the community groups in the area, and I’m open to meeting with oth-
ers.
“It’s important everyone
knows we’re in the commu- nity and what we’re here to accomplish. We want to help bring everyone closer, and we will be delivering an array of services to the resi- dents in the area.”
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015