Located at the intersection of 28th Street and Moncrief Rd. in northwest Jacksonville, the Simonds-Johnson Park has been utilized as a community center since 1957. after 35 years as a staple in the northside community, the center received an upgrade in 1993 further entrenching its location as a community resource. Currently the center is under the leadership of entrepreneur Dr. Shanna M. Carter who once again achieved her goals of bringing the community to life by presenting ‘Serenity in the Park,’ – a back to school event for the neighborhood children and adults to receive swag bags, fitness and yoga instructions, haircuts, school supplies/backpacks, mental health resources and teen roundtable discussions. Carter, who is also the CEO of the non-profit youth organization Krumpin 4 Success, Inc. fights daily to decrease risk taking behaviors through creative activities, academic stability, economic sufficiency, positive mental health and productive citizenship. All of the center’s programs cater to youth between the ages of 13-24.
“We have so many programs for the youth in the neighborhood. This center keeps kids off the street, this is a place where they can go to take refuge and receive help,” said Carter. The center is also recognized as a hub for basketball games, luncheons, workshops and activities to educate and explore what the world has to offer beyond Moncrief Road.
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