RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – On November 3, the City of Rancho Cordova opened the Rancho Cordova Youth Center (RCYC), the first youth center in the community.

The RCYC will provide a welcoming, central and safe environment for year-round youth programs, build relationships with local youth and show local youth how much the community cares about their success and future in Rancho Cordova.

“A youth center has been a long-time dream for Rancho Cordova. While there are multiple youth programs available, our community wanted a place that supports our youth,” said Mayor Donald Terry. “Thanks to our city’s $8 million investment and our partners, this dream has come true. We look forward to seeing how our youth shine at the Rancho Cordova Youth Center.”

The city invested $8 million in capital funding to renovate the 1.75-acre property, which includes a 9,000-square-foot building, at 10455 Investment Circle. The federal government, thanks to the support of Congressman Ami Bera, will also provide a $350,000 grant for programming and equipment. Center of Praise Ministries in Sacramento is leasing the RCYC property at no cost to the city for 25 years, with the option to extend it for another 25 years.

"The leadership and congregation of Center of Praise Ministries are pleased to partner with the City of Rancho Cordova on the momentous occasion of the development and opening of the Rancho Cordova Youth Center,” said Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. “Our unique collaboration of a faith-based organization and municipality has shown that our underserved youth are indeed a priority. Our youth are worth every investment and the opportunities that will be afforded them through this unique initiative. This state-of-the art facility will be a place where dreams and goals come true for a new and emerging generation of servant-leaders."

Programming will begin by early December for children ages 6 – 18, enrolled in 1st – 12th grade, with a focus on mentorship, academic support and sports activities. The city manages and oversees the facility and operations, and it contracts with two partners to operate and provide programming, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento and the Rancho Cordova Police Activities League.

“It is critical that we invest in our children’s future by creating spaces where they are safe and cared for, so they have the opportunity to fulfill their potential,” said Congressman Ami Bera. “That’s why I was proud to secure $350,000 in FY2022 funding through the Congressional Community Project Funding process to help complete the Rancho Cordova Youth Center, the first youth center within the community. This funding will be critical to providing a well-rounded education both in and out of the classroom.”

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento operates the RCYC and develops academic programming, including homework support and completion, leadership development activities and career programs and mentoring. This is the nonprofit organization’s first community-wide program in Rancho Cordova.

“The Boys and Girls Club is thrilled to be a part of the Rancho Cordova Youth Center team and committed to coming together to serve more youth in Rancho Cordova than ever before,” said Kimberly Key, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento. “Together, the city, PAL and the Boys and Girls Club will harness the power of our reputations, strength of our relationships in the community and experience serving youth to provide a safe place where Rancho Cordova youth and teens can thrive.”

The Rancho Cordova Police Activities League (PAL) provides sports, educational and mentoring programming for the RCYC, including the PAL Boxing Club, Junior Giants League and Youth Leadership Council. The nonprofit organization has offered a variety of free programs in Rancho Cordova since 2009, provides positive role models and supports our children’s growth.

“The Rancho Cordova Police Activities League is beyond excited to partner with the City of Rancho Cordova and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento to provide world-class youth programming at the new Rancho Cordova Youth Center,” said PAL President Lieutenant Rich Merideth. “This investment in our youth will have a long-lasting positive impact on our kids, neighborhoods and city as a whole. We are proud to work with our community partners to make this dream a reality.”

Around 500 residents, children and community partners attended the grand opening ceremony and enjoyed tours of the new center and sports fields, family-friendly activities, dinner from food trucks, and more. Attendees also had an opportunity to become a part of history by painting their initials on tiles that will become a permanent art installation at the RCYC.

Starting in 2023, the RCYC will be available for rent to youth organizations or organizations that benefit youth. Rentals will only be available outside of regular after-school programming and summer programming, and hours of availability could vary.

For additional information and an online press kit, visit CityofRanchoCordova.org/pressroom.

About Rancho Cordova

The City of Rancho Cordova incorporated on July 1, 2003, becoming the 478th city in California. Since that time, the city has grown into an emerging urban center, while retaining a small-town feel. Over 3,500 businesses employ a workforce of 65,000+, making Rancho Cordova one of the largest employment centers in the Greater Sacramento region. Over 80,000 residents enjoy a beautiful, six-mile stretch of the American River, a burgeoning arts scene, 26 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, 70 acres of creeks and tributaries, and over 100 (mostly free) events. Whether you call Rancho Cordova an All-America City, Playful City USA or Tree City USA, Rancho Cordova’s neighborhoods and business districts reflect diversity and opportunity, making the city a community where anyone can live, work, learn and play.

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento provides a safe place for our region's youth to learn, grow and thrive. Together with its generous supporters and dedicated community partners, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento provides kids and teens with life-changing programs to support their academic, physical and emotional development. They work hard to ensure that every young person that walks through its doors graduates on time, is living a healthy lifestyle, and demonstrates good character and citizenship.

About Rancho Cordova Police Activities League

Since 2009, the Rancho Cordova Police Activities League (PAL), a non-profit youth organization, has been building positive relationships between Rancho Cordova police officers and youth in the community. Led by the Youth Services Unit, PAL has provided free leadership, educational and athletic programs, as well as free community events, for over 4,500 youth in the city. With the opening of the new Rancho Cordova Youth Center, PAL will be based out of the center and be able to expand its services to many more youth in the city. Its mission is in its motto: Every Kid Needs a PAL!