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Strong Foundation asks Montgomery County for $75,000 a year to keep West Montgomery community center open
Summary
Terrence Jones, executive director of Strong Foundation, appealed for $75,000 annually to extend hours and programs at a West Montgomery community center, citing summer-camp expansion, tutoring needs and free dental clinics for the neighborhood; several commissioners signaled support and discussed possible per-commissioner contributions.
At the commission meeting Jan. 20, Terrence Jones, executive director of Strong Foundation, asked Montgomery County Commissioners to provide recurring operating support so his organization's West Montgomery community center can remain open more hours and expand programs.
"We believe that with 75,000 a year, we're able to keep this facility open, 5 days a week for the people in the community," Jones said, describing a facility at 2840 Boys Club Road near Highland Village and Gibbs Village. He said the nonprofit spends about $100,000 a year maintaining the building and currently runs summer camps, tutoring at South Lawn Middle School and an annual dental clinic that serves hundreds of residents.
Jones told commissioners the center's immediate service area includes about 4,000 residents with a median household income near $25,000 and that many local children need additional academic support; he cited progress helping individual students move multiple grade levels and transitional services that helped at least one young man move from carrying a firearm to steady employment.
Several commissioners expressed support. One said he read Jones' proposal and "you have my support," and another suggested splitting the $75,000 by providing $15,000 from each commissioner as short-term discretionary support while exploring a budget line-item for ongoing funding. Commissioners also volunteered to visit the site and meet with Strong Foundation leadership.
The request was presented during the public-comment portion of the meeting; commissioners asked staff to review the proposal and indicated they would discuss funding options, including short-term discretionary contributions and potential inclusion in the annual budget.
