Leadership Columbia class project to enhance non-profit organization’s HQ

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The Leadership Columbia Class of 2024 is partnering with Serve & Connect for its project to make an impact in the Midlands community.

This year’s class project involves enhancing Serve & Connect’s new headquarters near Decker Boulevard, a news release stated. This center supports community-driven initiatives, fostering collaboration between police and local communities to address challenges.

The project scope is multifaceted, including upgrades to the new community center that will assist in building community trust in the Decker Boulevard area by strengthening connections and increasing access to local resources, the release stated. LC24 will create an outdoor basketball court, a pavilion with a grilling area and seating, and large outdoor board game installations, among other outdoor landscaping and beautification efforts. The class will also create a memorial garden that will include a pergola to honor fallen officers and community members.

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“With the support of Leadership Columbia, we are building a vision of hope, community, and togetherness in the Decker Boulevard area,” said Kassy Alia Ray, founder & CEO of Serve & Connect, in the release. “We are honored they have chosen to build outdoor facilities for their project this year, and with it, offer a critical avenue for neighbors to come together, growing trust and connection.”

The LC24 class hopes that the addition of these outdoor activities will make the community center more inviting to the local youth that Serve & Connect works with to build a positive sense of community and transform neighborhoods in North Columbia, the release stated.

“LC24 has developed a great vision for Serve and Connect’s campus, and we’re excited to see the project take shape this spring,” said Megan Newbold, LC24 project chair. “It has the potential to build community and make a positive impact for many years to come.”

The class will also implement a wraparound marketing campaign for Serve & Connect and create a long-term plan for the organization that will guide future upgrades to the facility, including walking trails, a new playground, a turf field, a community garden, a mural, building renovations, and a sports and activities program, the release stated.

“Our class is excited about the opportunity to help Serve & Connect enhance its headquarters and promote the community center as the go-to space for police-community partnerships to address critical community needs,” said Anna Peterson, LC24 Project co-lead. “We are hopeful that our work will inform and encourage members of the North Columbia community to visit the new community center.”