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Station 2 goes to Youth for Christ Bolstered by five nonprofits, repurposed firehouse could douse gang activity

Mail Tribune - 3/21/2018

March 21--It's been 18 months since Matt Sweeney looked at an old west Medford firehouse and envisioned a community center that could keep kids away from gangs and drugs.

Last week, the ministry coordinator for Rogue Valley Youth for Christ took one step closer to seeing his dream, and the dream of four other nonprofits, come true.

Medford City Council Thursday approved the development of a contract for the former fire station at the corner of Lincoln and Eighth streets with Sweeney's nonprofit, which edged out two other nonprofits, Rogue Retreat and ACCESS Inc.

"Growing up on Orange Street, I love this neighborhood and love the people who live here," Sweeney said.

But the neighborhood also has one of the highest crime rates in the city, he said.

The other nonprofits that work with Youth for Christ to educate and keep teens and kids from joining gangs are Spartan Boxing Gym, LIFE Art Studio & Cultural Center, Familia Unida and Westside Beautification.

Fire Station 2 moved into new quarters at 1107 Stewart Ave., and City Council decided to find a nonprofit to repurpose the 1950s building into something that would benefit the community.

Under the proposal, the engine bay would house Spartan Boxing and Youth for Christ. A storage area would be created in the back along the driveway, housing supplies for West Medford Beautification, including a grill for community barbecues.

Sweeney said he hopes to be inside the building by mid to late summer.

At some point he wants to set up the large grill, a donation from the Cheney Family Foundation, to host a neighborhood barbecue.

"Our goal is to reach out to the neighborhood and a whole new group of kids that live in the neighborhood," Sweeney said.

The nonprofits received some good news from the city. Community grants totaling $24,430 should be available to help pay for a new roof, windows and doors.

Over a two- to three-year period, Sweeney estimates, the work to rehabilitate the building would cost up to $450,000, which would be raised through a fundraising campaign.

A large carport in the rear of the building would be torn down and a new building would house Familia Unida Car and Bike Club.

LIFE (Live, Inspire: Freedom of Expression) Art would move into the former living quarters for the firemen.

Sweeney said he'd like to enlarge the building slightly, including extending the engine bay and a wall to the west to allow for a snack bar. A food pantry could be rolled up in the front driveway as well.

Bathrooms would be upgraded so they meet current disability regulations.

The combination of programs offered could help change patterns of behavior in youths subjected to abuse, neglect or trauma. Sweeney said these children have greater risk of self-destructive behavior, health issues and decreased life spans.

One of the main reasons Sweeney likes the location is that it is on a bus line and is within walking distance to troubled neighborhoods.

Before the work can begin, city planners will consider a conditional use permit while a contract is developed.

Youth for Christ would like to eventually own the building, but it will lease it for $1 a year for a 25-year term.

Youth for Christ operates five centers in Jackson County and is planning to open a new center in Grants Pass.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or dmann@rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on www.twitter.com/reporterdm.

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