This week marks 10 years since a dedicated resource opened in Camden, New Jersey. The resource provides numerous services for people young and old and stands as a beacon of hope in the heart of the city’s Cramer Hill neighborhood.
What was once the site of a dump and a blight on the community is now an example of progress and a place where opportunity and possibility collide.
“Many promises have been made in this city and this promise has been kept,” said Felix Moulier.
Moulier has been a member of the center for the past seven years. He lives in Camden and said the state-of-the-art facility has transformed his community and brought new experiences and services to the city.
“My daughter enjoys it, she goes to summer camp here every year and it has been a great resource for our family,” Moulier said.
On Thursday, the mayor, county commissioners and many others rededicated the building and celebrated the past decade since its doors officially opened.
“The Kroc Center has hosted millions of visitors and has been a shining example of the progress being made across the city,” said Mayor Victor Carstarphen.
The center also hosted then-President Barack Obama in 2015. Over the past ten years it has been a hub of enrichment. With low membership prices, it offers medical services and childcare, has an aquatic center and its food pantry is an essential resource for families.
“We’ve served over a million pounds of food in those 10 years. We’ve gone from swimming lessons to vaccination classes, from after-school programs to summer camps,” said Major Richard Sanchez of the Salvation Army.
“We try to find a unique connection with every person who walks through the door,” said Liz Thomas, a volunteer and chair of the 10th anniversary committee.
Thursday’s event kicked off a weekend of free, fun activities for residents.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday October 4, 2024 | 11am – 5pm
- Drive-thru Food Distribution – Distribution in partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey, Sharing Excess and the Salvation Army New Jersey Division.
- More than 1,300 families have registered, representing more than 4,000 people.
Saturday October 5, 2024 | 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
- KrocFest – a free family festival with more than 110 partner organizations.
- Address: 1865 Harrison Avenue.
Sunday October 6, 2024 | 10am
- Church Rededication – Fellowship Luncheon and the Premiere of the Camden Kroc Center’s 10th Anniversary Documentary. Church service, rededication and lunch to conclude the weekend festivities.
Ryan Hughes
