Ex-YMCA center closer to salvation

Ex-YMCA center closer to salvation
By Ian Thompson | DAILY REPUBLIC | August 05, 2009

SUISUN CITY - The Salvation Army's request for a permit to run the community center on East Wigeon Way sailed through the Suisun Planning Commission with a unanimous vote Wednesday.

There was no public opposition to the idea of having the faith-based nonprofit occupy the facility that was closed 13 months ago when the North Bay YMCA ended services.

Commissioners liked assurances by Salvation Army Capt. Fred Rasmussen that they will run the center 'much in the way of the YMCA,' but with better programs and a cleaner facility.

The Salvation Army wants to run a full-service community center that includes worship services and delivery of some family assistance programs that it presently offers through its Fairfield office.

'We will not be doing heavy-duty social services,' Rasmussen told the commissioners referring to such activities as food lines and soup kitchens.

Rasmussen said the only large public food-gathering for the needy will be a Christmas drive and that is expected to be done at another location. But Commission Chairman Don Spering said the center could be used for that once-a-year program if needed.

'We don't want to be Scrooge either,' Spering said.

There is also no requirement to attend worship services for those just wanting to use recreation facilities.

Most of the community center programs will be fee-based, but there will be different levels of memberships offered to fit activities residents want to be a part of.

See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.