Mayor Broome Announces $1 Million in Funding for two Youth Centers in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, LA - March 27, 2024 - Today, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced more than $1 million of grant awards for developing two community spaces to provide essential services and opportunities for at-risk youth in Baton Rouge. The Community Development Block Grant funding, once approved by the Metropolitan Council at a later date, will support the construction of the Inspiration Center at Howell Park in North Baton Rouge and the rehabilitation of the Youth City Lab in the former Assemblies of God Church and Sarkis Rug Store on Government Street in Mid City.

"We've talked about the role of police and the importance of investing in 21st century policing and putting more officers on the streets. This is about making sure our young people have opportunities, support, and places where they feel they belong. Both facilities are dedicated to violence-prevention services, trauma-informed behavioral health services, after-school mentorship, educational opportunities, and youth engagement programs," said Mayor Broome. "I am excited to partner with proven community organizations for these projects, including Front Yard Bikes, Big Buddy, Humanities Amped, Line for Line, the Baton Rouge Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana, BREC, and BRPD."

The two locations are in Metropolitan Councilman LaMont Cole's Council District 7. "Through collaboration and investment, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that every young person in our city has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. We are building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Baton Rouge for future generations," said Councilman Cole. "These partnerships represent a collective effort to create safe spaces where young people can thrive and reach their full potential."

CDBG Awards:

• $750,000 for the Inspiration Center in the BREC Howell Park, in collaboration with the Baton Rouge Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana, the Baton Rouge Park and Recreation, and the Baton Rouge Police Department.
• $411,897 for the Youth City Lab in the former Assemblies of God Church and Sarkis Rug Store on Government Street, in collaboration with Front Yard Bikes, Big Buddy, Humanities Amped, and Line for Line.