Salem, OR – The Salem Kroc Center marked its 15-year anniversary on Friday, surrounded by community partners, local leaders, and young students whose lives have been positively impacted by the center’s diverse programs. Established by the Salvation Army in 2009, the Kroc Center has been a vital resource for underserved communities in the Salem-Keizer area, offering everything from fitness classes to educational opportunities.
The anniversary event highlighted the Kroc Center’s commitment to supporting youth through programs like I-Build, which helps students earn missing school credits while learning valuable construction skills. During the event, lunch was served by teenagers and young adults participating in I-Build, demonstrating the program’s real-world impact.
One of the featured students, Jose, shared his personal journey in a video presented at the event. He spoke about the transformation he experienced through the program, improving from failing grades to earning As. “I just want to change my life for the better,” Jose said, underscoring the program’s role in giving students the tools they need to succeed.
Over the past 15 years, the Kroc Center has played a key role in the community, offering essential resources and support. Its annual health fair has provided free health screenings, physicals, and tests to local residents, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of community wellness. Additionally, the center offers GED classes for those who didn’t complete high school, further expanding its reach to those in need of educational opportunities.
The Kroc Center’s impact extends beyond the classroom. It has offered over 16,000 fitness classes and 14,000 swim lessons since its opening. It has also provided more than $2.7 million in scholarships for memberships and classes, ensuring that families from all walks of life have access to the center’s services.
During the anniversary celebration, Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell spoke about the profound impact of community centers. She shared her own experience growing up in east Salem, where a similar center helped shape her future. Bethell praised the Kroc Center’s efforts, saying, “What you do for kids and families in this community is really profound.” She also highlighted the center’s GED program, which helped 15 graduates in its first year, and emphasized the importance of providing youth with the tools to succeed.
The I-Build program, which launched as an eight-week initiative last summer, has now expanded to run year-round. According to Kroc Center director Frazier, the program is expected to continue for at least another year, helping even more young people gain the skills and education they need to thrive.
For 15 years, the Salem Kroc Center has not only been a place for recreation and fitness but also a pillar of hope and opportunity for the community’s most vulnerable populations. As it continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains clear: to help families, children, and adults in the Salem-Keizer area succeed and reach their fullest potential.
