“As a program director at the Kelly Miller Community Center, it is important to make available services and events within the community that will have an impact,” said James.

The community center aims to provide vital opportunities for area residents, including through its computer learning center, James said.

They hope to have more amenities, such as a pantry, in the future.

“We would like to be able to provide services to the community that will help improve their lives,” said James.

The new developments include STEM kits in the activity room which were made possible through a Blueprint Communities grant, according to James. A grant from the EQT Foundation enabled them to purchase all new computers for their computer learning center, and the Harrison County YMCA donated adult gymnastics equipment. Gym equipment for children ages 6 to 17 was funded by a Try This grant from West Virginia.

They also restored a new Hung Gar gymnasium for the martial arts school located in the center, James said.

Activities they offer at the center include game nights, a chess club, book club, martial arts, yoga, and a family walking club every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at VA Park, James said. . Facilities also include a gym with standard equipment, a kid-friendly gym, a library, a computer center and a nursery.

The adult game night takes place twice a month on the first and third Friday of each month and has been a popular offering for some time, according to Tony Washington, the volunteer who runs the activity.

“We had good numbers at the event before the COVID-19 pandemic. We were bringing in over 50 people,” Washington said. “Now it’s closer to 30 and 40 people, so we’re hoping to get the numbers back.”

The game night runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is open to the public. Food and drinks are available for attendees, Washington said.

“It’s great to have a place where people can go and get away from it all,” Washington said. “There are a lot of activities in a beautiful establishment.”

Catherine Burley, a member of the book club, family walk club and adult game night, said the center was crucial for area residents.

“It fills a need,” Burley said. “Having all of this is something to do in the community.”

She said it is especially important that this center is open and available for children. It is a place where people of all ages can come together and do something fun.

“There is very little for them to do in this community and these activities are free,” said Burley.

Before the weather turns, they plan to have an outside movie night and other activities, according to James.

“We open cautiously and have activities outside,” James said.

Looking ahead, the community center still needs a few things to fix around the center, this includes a building grant to do renovations to the gymnasium, community kitchen and the need for a new roof as we move forward. they are still looking for volunteers for the center, added James.