Project Renewal, a youth organization rooted in central Davenport, will mark its 50th anniversary Friday, Nov. 1, with an open house for its newly constructed Youth Center as well as an announcement of its next expansion step.
A community celebration will be from 4-6 p.m. at Project Renewal, 510 Warren St. The program will begin at 4:30 p.m.
The new center broke ground in August 2023. It will be open for tours and the celebration. The nonprofit has served the neighborhood’s families for half a century. It will showcase the new center and its expanded youth opportunities.
There also will be a reunion for all the Project Renewal family including past and present kids, families, neighbors, volunteers, workers, and opportunity providers.
“Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to the many families, volunteers, neighbors and contributors who believe in and faithfully support Project Renewal’s mission,” Executive Director Ann Schwickerath said in an earlier news release. “We invite the community to join us as we celebrate our commitment of 50 years of service to the Davenport community and the future of our steadfast presence.”
Founded in 1974 by Sister Concetta Bendicente, PHJC, Project Renewal has been a presence in the Davenport neighborhood for children and families. It is known as the “Treat House” by families and friends.
New home for services
The $1 million Youth Center was built on a vacant lot where a troublesome rental property once stood. It was acquired by Project Renewal. Designed to expand Project Renewal’s after-school and summer youth programs, the building is across the street from Project Renewal’s offices. Those offices occupy what had once been a condemned house.
In August 2023, Royal Neighbors of America honored Ms. Schwickerath with a $10,000 Nation of Neighbors empowerment award and grant. It went toward the construction. The building is part of a larger $1.8 million capital campaign that will bring other improvements.
