Duke Basketball Coach, U.S. Rep. Announce New Community Center
On Friday, U.S. Rep. David Price (D-04) will join Duke University Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski in announcing plans for the Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center in Durham.
The center is partially funded by a $250,000 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant Price secured through his work on the House Appropriations Committee, and it's named in memory of the mother of Coach Krzyzewski.
The Center will help revitalize Durham's West End neighborhood and provide a positive environment for disadvantaged children and families.
"The West End of Durham -- once a thriving neighborhood -- is now struggling with staggering increases in crime, violence, and unemployment," said Price. "The Center is part of a visionary plan to improve life in this Durham community, and I'm proud to be part of this effort."
Phil Henderson, Executive Director of the Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center, said, "We're grateful for the collaborative efforts - from Rep. Price, Coach K., and countless others - that have helped bring this Center from idea to reality. The Center will be more than just a meeting place - it will be a haven for our children and families and a centerpiece in the effort to help this community realize its highest potential."
The Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center will feature community meeting rooms, exercise facilities, and a kitchen with serving areas. The 11,000 square foot center will be used as a central meeting place for neighborhood activity and tutoring for students.
Coach Kyzyzewski, who says he's a product of a Chicago neighborhood community center, wanted this facility to be named for his mother because of its emphasis on family life. Emily Krzyzewski died in 1996.
