Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Knowledge for Homeless Children in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO - Sept. 6, 2016 - PRLog -- Harvey E. Najim and SAMMinistries proudly open the doors to The Harvey E. Najim Library and The Harvey E. Najim Children's Enrichment Center at SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center. This $825,000 renovation project began in May and will be unveiled in a ceremonial opening on Sept. 14, 10:00 a.m.

The Harvey E. Najim Library, now 60 percent larger than the previous facility, provides a family-friendly learning center with special areas for younger children and teens, as well as a computer area for each. A specially designed story corner allows guest readers to share their love of books with the children and encourage their own healthy reading habits. In addition to traditional print resources, the availability of electronic learning tools offers residents of SAMMinistries housing programs an opportunity to learn, grow and find a path to a new life.

The Children's Enrichment Center, also bearing Mr. Najim's name, has been transformed from a single open space into an area that allows for age appropriate group separation, access to indoor and outdoor play, group project or study space as well as room for one-on-one tutoring.

"Mr. Najim's gift transforms the environment for children living at the Transitional Living and Learning Center," said SAMMinistries President and CEO, Navarra Williams. "It gives them access to state-of-the-art materials, resources, and tools in an inviting space designed just for them—allowing them to rise above their circumstance, to learn, to grow, and ultimately to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness."

Both spaces have been carefully designed to foster a warm, positive environment for our residents to begin a transformational journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency. The addition of bathrooms, improved lighting, renovated ventilation systems, and enhanced technology not only make this area more comfortable and welcoming, but also safer.

Media in attendance will have access to Williams and Harvey E. Najim. They will be available for comments and interviews to discuss the new library and the plans for the future use of the facility. Williams and Najim will also be making a special announcement to launch SAMMinistries' End Child Homelessness campaign.

Najim's gift marks the second significant renovation to the nearly 60-year old facility which is the hub of SAMMinistries Transitional Housing Program. Originally a convent, the Transitional Living and Learning Center houses up to 40 homeless families a night—and approximately 65 percent of the residents are children. Parents are required to work or attend school full-time as well as participate in programs that focus on skill building increasing the likelihood for success. In its 16th year, nearly 600 families have exited the program to self-sufficiency.

Event Details

What: The Harvey E. Najim Library and The Harvey E. Najim Children's Enrichment Center Grand Opening

Where: SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center

5922 Blanco Rd.

When: Sept. 14, 2016

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Why: Celebrate the grand opening of renovated facilities

About SAMMinistries: Overcoming Homelessness

San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries, founded in 1983, is an interfaith ministry whose mission is to help the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless attain self-sufficiency by offering with dignity and compassion, shelter, housing, and services. SAMMinistries also provides volunteers opportunities to be renewed and fulfilled as they serve. For 33 years, SAMMinistries has been a leader in addressing the needs of San Antonio's homeless population. The organization continues to work towards its goal of overcoming homelessness, an SA2020 goal, which is crucial for a healthy, vibrant, San Antonio.

More information can be found at http://www.samm.org