NORFOLK, Va. — The Kroc Community Center is meant to educate, inspire and nurture the people who live in Hampton Roads. It’s celebrating its tenth year being a community partner.
“The atmosphere, the different machines, the track, the gym, the pool,” said one member while reflecting on the many amenities in the center.
Located on Ballentine Boulevard in the Bowling Green neighborhood of Norfolk, I’ve learned this place means more to the 5,100 members than the brick-and-mortar that make up the building.
Chesapeake
Chesapeake middle school students to compete in a robotics competition
“I come here five days a week,” said Sharon Johnson, a Kroc member. "It gives me a reason to get up in the morning, a place to go, and it keeps me healthy."
“They’re here, they can use the Wi-Fi, we have chats with them,” said Nicole Morris, a spokesperson for the Kroc Center. "People really pour their heart out, so it's not just working out. Some people have bad days, so we’re here to uplift them, to encourage them."
“It's very important to have a place like this in the community because we’re not just a fitness center. We also have a church here,” said Morris. "We have two amazing pastors who love people."
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The center also has an aftercare program for school-age kids to ease the burden of working families.
“We actually go and pick up the kids from the school and bring them here," said Capt. Ruth Cancia of the Kroc Center. "We offer winter camps and spring break camps as well."
While there are programs and classes to keep seniors and youngsters alike busy, it’s the love that goes along with it that positively makes all the difference.
“We want them to know that they belong here,” said Morris.
