Georgetown, Ky. — Grace Christian Church is set to break ground on a new athletic center aimed at supporting youth in the community. The event, scheduled for this Sunday, marks a significant milestone in the church’s efforts to provide a space dedicated to young people.
Pastor Andrew Brown emphasizes this project as a major development, stating, “It’s a big step for us as we’re kind of dreaming about building a space that’s a gift to our community.” The 23,000-square-foot facility will feature two basketball courts, a parent lounge, and a group fitness space tailored for the youth.
In addition to the athletic center, the church has launched the “Player’s Box” program, which originated from a church in Ohio. This initiative addresses the various pressures that children face, including social, academic, and athletic challenges. Shift director Steve Miner elaborates, “A student may be saying, ‘hey, I’m not feeling a ton of pressure right now… But you’re going to as you take your ACT, as you’re interviewing for a job down the line.”
The Player’s Box is structured as a six-week program aimed at equipping both students and their families with tools to handle stress. After a successful pilot program this summer involving 11 families, participation has now grown to 30 families. Miner notes, “The response has just been great. Kids are excited to come back each and every week and the parents are too they’re learning a ton.”
Pastor Brown acknowledges the importance of tackling mental health issues among youth, stating, “We’ve seen this epidemic of mental health issues with our young people… part of that is creating a space that they want to come and be at every day.”
The church community is enthusiastic about the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony, where they will celebrate not only the new athletic center but also the positive impact they hope to achieve through these initiatives. The goal is to create an inviting environment for young people, fostering wellness and support during their formative years.
For additional details about the programs and initiatives, interested individuals can visit Grace Christian Church’s online resources.
