Bishop presents $1 million check for Crawford County youth center

Congressman Sanford Bishop presented a ceremonial check Wednesday to support construction of a gym and activity space for children.

ROBERTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Crawford County is receiving $1 million in federal funding for a new youth center.

Congressman Sanford Bishop presented a ceremonial check to county commissioners on Wednesday.

Bishop says the new youth center will have a gymnasium and space to support a variety of recreational and extracurricular activities such as physical activity, academic programs and social interactions.

“For the past few years, the county managers have indicated the need for such a center here to serve the citizens of Crawford County,” Bishop said. “And we promised them we’ll do our best to bring some resources here.”

Bishop believes if children had more spaces to express their full potential, they could excel in many areas.

“But it will be constructive activity during periods of the day when children need to have their time structured positively,” he said. “So, we look forward to that. It’s a win-win for this community.”

He explains how he believes this center will impact the community.

“So that young people, our children who make up 40% of the population and 100% of our future, will have a place to have constructive activities that will keep them out of trouble and hopefully contribute to their physical, mental and emotional resilience as they grow into adulthood,” he said.

District Attorney Anita Howard says this new center is about children’s futures.

“To pour into our youth is so important because talent is spread abroad,” she said. “What our children often lack is opportunity, so I believe it’s the job of all adults and elected officials to make sure children have opportunity.”

The timeline for the center’s construction is still unknown.