City Life Center opens in Rockford, offering youth a safe space to connect

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Stateline Youth for Christ celebrated the grand opening of its City Life Center this afternoon on Charles Street, across from the Stockholm Inn.

The recreation center is open to youth aged 11 to 19 and features a game room, fitness area, and spaces for meals and fellowship. Its location near East High School and Lincoln Middle School makes it accessible for many young people in the area.

“Many of us are well aware that a lot of young people have transportation issues,” said Haddon Anderson, Executive Director of City Life. “The fact that we are literally in walking distance from East High School, as well as Lincoln Middle School and local neighborhoods, positions this space to serve a high volume of youth.”

The City Life Center aims to provide a safe and engaging environment for young people to connect with mentors and peers. The center offers various activities, including video games and fitness, alongside opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.

“Young people are going to be introduced to God’s love for them there,” Anderson explained. “They’re gonna have the opportunity to get connected to adult leaders who really care about them and invest in their lives.”

The center is actively seeking mentors and partnerships with local restaurants to support its mission.

“We are looking for people to come and hang out with the youth,” Anderson said, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

The City Life Center is expected to provide a transformative space for young people, offering alternatives and support to help them navigate their formative years.

“This could be life-changing,” Anderson noted, highlighting the center’s potential impact on the community.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WTVO. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WTVO staff before being published.