"This [center] will fulfill a need. There's a gap there where people are totally unaware of programs and services offered in Broward that they can access," said Geri Freedman, the city's director of social services who will oversee the center's operations. "The outreach center is going to serve people of all ages, not just 60-plus."
Freedman said the city currently is doing a small amount of renovation work and hopes to open the center in mid- to late-January.
The center, which will be on the second floor of the Parkway Professional Building, will have office space where resource materials, brochures and information on services will be available. There also will be a classroom offering educational programs.
Information on job-help programs, food stamps, housing options and mental health services will be available. The city also plans to conduct income tax assistance classes.
The center, which will operate every day except Sunday, will have two full-time employees and one part-time worker, possibly helped by volunteers.
Freedman said the center, which will be paid for through federal Community Development Block Grant funds, would primarily serve those living in low- to moderate-income housing.
The city is leasing the 1,575 square feet of space from Fort One Associates for a two-year period at a cost of $38,400.
In July, the city had approved a lease for office space on Miramar Parkway several blocks from the current location, but the agreement was terminated after acceptable terms could not be reached, according to city documents.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Nicole T. Lesson) 1-07-04