DAVENPORT, Iowa — A Davenport after-school program is celebrating 50 years and its next big project.
For half a century, Project Renewal has served Davenport kids in after-school and summer programs — all in humble houses just north of downtown.
Ann Schwickerath is the executive director. She's been with the program for more than 30 years.
"There’s people from all walks of life that are woven together here through Project Renewal’s presence, and gives a unique experience that most people say they’ve never had," Schwickerath said.
Kids come to what they call the "treat house," where they get homework help, hands-on experiences and a lot of fun.
"I’ve been here since I was in 1st grade I think, and it’s been pretty great here," Olivia Buxbaum-Lara, an 8th grader with the program, said. "We go on trips every summer. We went to Nahant Marsh a few weeks ago, it was really fun."
As the program grows, so does its need for space. A few years ago, Project Renewal purchased a derelict home across from the "treat house." Since then, they've torn it down and are nearly finished building a new house.
Schwickerath said that house will host health and wellness programming, along with STEAM instruction — or science, technology, engineering, art and math.
So far, the nonprofit has raised about $1.6 million for its projects. That's covered the new building, but Project Renewal plans on another rebuild.
At nearly 100 years old, the "treat house" is due for reconstruction. That will be finished in the coming year. They'll need to raise about a million dollars to pay for that.
"We need help to continue what we’re doing, raising, finishing our capital campaign. But if nothing else, your support moral support, in kind support, volunteer support," Schwickerath said.
The new building will be ready for students in the next few weeks once it's furnished.