Palm Bay Youth Programs: Non-Profits Wanted for Evans Center Initiative

Non-Profits: Partner with Palm Bay to Create Lasting Opportunities for Local Youth at the Evans Center

Nov 13, 2024

Palm Bay, FL – November 13, 2024 – The City of Palm Bay has officially opened the Request for Applications for eligible non-profit organizations to utilize the Evans Center for youth and at-risk youth programs. This initiative follows the City’s acquisition of the Evans Center earlier this year and represents a significant step toward revitalizing community support for Palm Bay’s younger generation.

Evans Center: A Historic Community Hub

The Evans Center, located at 1361 Florida Ave NE, has a rich history as a cornerstone of the Driskell Heights and Powell Subdivision neighborhoods. Its current transformation into a hub for youth programs continues its legacy of serving community needs and supporting local growth. Established by Roosevelt "Ross" Evans in the early 1960s, the original grocery store served as a vital community hub, providing essential goods and a gathering place for residents. Following Evans’ passing in 1984, the store experienced a period of decline and was eventually demolished in 2012.

Recognizing the need for a renewed community facility, local leaders worked together to rebuild the Evans Center, and by March 2019, it reopened with a market, health clinic, and community room—aiming to address food insecurity and provide healthcare services. However, financial difficulties in June 2023 raised concerns over the center's future. To secure its continuity, the City of Palm Bay acquired the facility on August 5, 2024, with a renewed vision for its purpose.

Transforming the Evans Center: Youth Programs Focus

The repurposing of the Evans Center marks a significant development in Palm Bay’s efforts to empower its youth. These particular programs—culinary arts, financial literacy, HVAC, and STEM—were chosen due to their high demand in the job market and their ability to provide practical skills that lead to stable career paths, directly addressing the needs of the local community. The facility, now under city ownership, will be a focal point for skill-building programs specifically targeting youth and young adults aged 16-25, including at-risk individuals. The city is particularly interested in programs that offer training in high-demand areas, such as culinary arts, financial literacy, HVAC, and STEM fields.

These programs align with Palm Bay's strategic vision to tackle socio-economic barriers faced by local youth. By providing these educational opportunities, the city aims to help young people develop the skills necessary for stable employment and financial independence. The Evans Center, fully equipped with a commercial kitchen and community facilities, is ideal for fostering practical learning environments.

Details for Non-Profit Participation

Non-profit organizations interested in partnering with the city are invited to submit proposals to utilize the Evans Center. Here are the key details for participation:

Facility Overview: The Evans Center spans 6,068 square feet and is equipped with a kitchen, walk-in refrigerator, range, and community room. However, the space actively leased by the Brevard Health Alliance is excluded from the proposal.
Mandatory Walkthrough: A walkthrough of the facility is scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 2 PM. Attendance is mandatory for all applicants to understand the available resources and layout. During the walkthrough, attendees will receive an overview of the facility's features, including the kitchen and community room, and have the opportunity to ask questions about the application process.
Application Deadline: Proposals must be submitted electronically to HCDinfo@pbfl.org by 3 PM on Friday, December 13, 2024. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Review and Approval: City staff will review all submissions based on criteria including program feasibility, community impact, and alignment with city goals. Recommendations will be presented at the Regular Council Meeting on January 16, 2025. Applicants are expected to attend this meeting to answer any questions posed by the City Council.

A Renewed Vision for Palm Bay’s Future

The Evans Center’s transformation into a youth-focused facility underscores the city’s dedication to ensuring that vital resources and opportunities remain accessible for Palm Bay’s young residents. The long-term goal is to create a supportive environment where youth can gain valuable skills, foster community engagement, and ultimately contribute to the city's economic growth. By emphasizing skills in high-demand industries, the city is not only helping today’s youth but also strengthening the workforce of tomorrow.

Interested non-profits are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the community. For more details on the application process, please visit www.palmbayflorida.org/Evans.

For additional coverage and community stories, visit The Palm Bayer at www.thepalmbayer.com.