Local low-cost afterschool youth center re-opens to local families

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A major community resource is officially back in service for Charlotte families. The Salvation Army hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday afternoon to mark the grand reopening of the Oak Forest Red Shield Youth Center on Milton Road.

The east Charlotte facility provides low-income families with an affordable afterschool option, offering safe recreational activities, homework support, and life-skills mentoring.

Parent Jequetta Caldwell says having the neighborhood center open again provides peace of mind for parents and critical opportunities for local youth. She says, “It’s a great opportunity for the kids because it gives them something to do rather than being in the streets and doing all the wrong things when they can come here and be busy and doing the right things.”

Registration is currently open. The program serves children and teenagers for $25 a week per child.