James A. Townley Community Center reopens

LAUREL, Miss. - The James A. Townley Community Center held a ribbon cutting Wednesday to celebrate its grand reopening.

The community center was being remolded for about a year, and dozens of people were on site to see the new renovations.

Ailrick Young, Laurel Housing Authority Executive Director said, "It just says we have tremendous support from the community and our partners, the city, and the county. And just to see all of our partners and those involved that are in attendance today just shows and reiterates just the support we've enjoyed for a number of years with our partners in the community."

Several hundred thousands of dollars was spent on renovations.

The community center upgraded its kitchen, tutoring services, and much more.

"I'm actually happy that this time has made it here and that we're going to have this opportunity to service the kids in Laurel Housing as well as the community at large. Having computers on hand allows them to get the necessary help with their homework and so forth," said program director, Barbara Gavin.

The renovation money will also help with the summer feeding program, which serves around 2,000 people.