BBC Life Center

BBC Life Center is organized exclusively to give citizens the opportunity to grow and develop physically, spiritually, academically and socially, for the prevention of cruelty to all citizens, charitable and educational purposes and objectives, which are not prohibited by law. Our mission is to enable individuals to reach their full potential through meaningful programs and services that will impact a stronger community.

Phase I - Students working from home do not have access to technology and tutoring to complete required schoolwork. To fill the gap for students, BBC Life Center will provide technology access and tutoring for students in the afternoons.

Phase II - Increase the awareness of information/resources disseminated to residents in our community.

Phase III- Provide a safe haven for residents engaging in physical activities annually.

Phase IV - Provide workforce development and soft skills training.

We are seeking assistance in renovating and developing the space that was donated to BBC Life Center by Berean Baptist Church. The building is located at 206 North Royal Street. At present we are housed in the church adjacent to the building.  This facility is strategically located in the heart of downtown Jackson near local schools and community resources such as Whitehall preschool, Isaac Lane elementary school, JCT middle school, Jackson Central Merry High School, Lane College, the public library, TR White Community Center, City Court, City Hall, County Courthouse and Juvenile Court and Detention Center.

It is a unique accessible location, it is ideal for a number of services in collaboration and partnership with the City of Jackson in its plan to develop the downtown corridor, the Jackson Madison County School System in its efforts to raise academic achievement levels and other agencies that serve the needs of the Jackson community in general and the historical east side in particular.

BBC Life Center will initially provide computers, internet access and qualified personnel to assist 20 students.  We are seeking funding to renovate a building and increase the number of students we are able to serve to 200.

The Jackson Sun in their August 7, 2020 edition reported that more than 7,000 Jackson Madison County school district students will participate in virtual learning.  However, this article did not highlight that among these students there will be some students who will have limited support or access to services.  For example , it was reported in an article by Benjamin Herold published in the April 10, 2020 issue of Education Week entitled "The Disparities in Remote Learning Under Coronavirus (in Charts)" that, Two of the biggest hurdles in America's schools online have been an inadequate number of digital devices for students and millions of families' lack of high-speed internet at home.  These gaps in basic technology access are particularly stark along socioeconomic lines.  COVID-19 has greatly increased this technology gap.  Jackson Madison County School System has 100% title schools. Therefore, to address the digital divide that is projected to increase among low income families and families whose economic status has been drastically altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the BBC Life Center will provide this student population with access to virtual learning and computer technology support throughout the academic school year.

The funds requested will include building of the infrastructure to expand to include at least 200 students as well as multiple other community services.

Revenue streams for BBC Life Center will include but will not be limited to sponsorships and donations from the community, grants and in-kind services.

PHASE I

1. The existing ceiling tiles to be removed and put in dumpster.

2. Old existing insulation to be removed and all wood to be exposed.

3. Exterior wall to have all paneling and bad plaster to be removed and put in dumpster.

4. All flooring, carpet, tile to be removed, down to clean concrete floors.

5. Existing garage door to be removed and closed by using brick.

6. Exterior gutter openings to be closed up to keep the birds out.

7. Existing wood walls in large room and around restrooms to be removed.

PHASE II

1. Interior walls to be framed using 2X4 studs.  Restrooms, kitchen and all exterior walls.

2. Saw cut concrete floors for plumbing in restroom areas and kitchen areas.

3. Repair electrical panels or replace the ones that need replacing.

4. According to Electrician most panels will need to be replaced.

5. Electrical piping to be run above ceiling for light and kitchen equipment and through new walls for outlets.

6. Rough in plumbing for restrooms and kitchen.

7. Top out plumbing

PHASE III

1. Hang and finish drywall on all walls.

2. Install lay in tile grid.

3. Install ceramic tile in restrooms.

4. Install kitchen cabinets.

5. Install 2X4 LED light fixtures.

6. Remove glass window in front, frame walls and brick exterior.

PHASE IV

Finish interior of building.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!