A local civic organization is partnering with the Carver Center in Jacksonville Beach to create a new technology-based learning space at the community center.
Jim Stocks, a member of the Rotary Satellite Club of Oceanside, outlined plans for the C.H.A.I.R. program during the Sept. 8 City Council meeting. He said the group is working with Carver Center Director LaToya Thomas to repurpose existing storage space into a classroom equipped with tablets and other technology.
“Our Rotary Club over the past year has been engaging with staff at the Carver Center, LaToya Thomas and Ronnie Mason, to help them realize their vision for a youth center that centers on technology,” Stocks said. “LaToya has taken a cue from the Jacksonville Beach logo where C.H.A.I.R. is an acronym for the Community Hangout for Achievement, Inspiration in Recreation.”
According to the proposal, the C.H.A.I.R. recreation room would be a youth-centered wellness and innovation space designed to support children’s mental health while increasing access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) learning opportunities.
The program would blend structured recreation, mentorship and hands-on technology experiences to create a safe and engaging environment where young people can feel seen, valued, connected and empowered to succeed.
Oceanside Rotary co-chair Mark Stuart is working with other Rotary clubs throughout the Beaches and Ponte Vedra to develop a joint funding proposal for the C.H.A.I.R. program.
“There are about six of us here at the Beaches area and four of us have committed to funding at this point $11,000 toward the project,” Stuart said. “It is estimated to be roughly a $16,000 project, so we’re a little bit shy in that regard, but we’ll start sharpening some pencils and maybe in collaboration with some funding you have or maybe find some private funds to finish the project.”
“It really is something that LaToya believes in strongly and we want to thank you for your consideration of this project going forward,” he said.
Proposed improvements to the storage space include institutional-grade floor coverings and furnishings, as well as hardwired computer workstations and secure, portable notebooks or iPads.
“The Rotary Clubs of the Beaches and Ponte Vedra have been heavily involved with the Carver Center for quite a while and we’re together to try to help achieve some funding for this program,” Stocks said.
“Our understanding of the process is to make known our willingness to provide some funds toward the process that will allow the Carver staff and Parks and Recreation department to get on the agenda for a subsequent meeting to discuss the details of the program.”
The Rotary Satellite Club of Oceanside will host a bingo night fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Culhane’s Irish Pub in Atlantic Beach. All proceeds will benefit the Carver Center Youth Program.
Culhane’s will donate 10% of food sales to the program.
Tickets are $30 and include two bingo cards and one raffle ticket. Additional bingo cards are $10 each. Wine raffle tickets are $10 each for a chance to win a $20 bottle of wine. Participants also can compete to win a Culhane’s gift basket.
Registration and prepaid credit card payments are available online. Online registration closes at 6 p.m. Sept. 28. Walk-ins are welcome.
