FORT JACKSON, SC -- Tuesday's town hall meeting at the Solomon Center gave attendees an overview of Fort Jackson quality-of-life programs for Soldiers, family members and civilians. Many of the programs are a direct result of the Army Family Covenant, such as the initiatives introduced by Rose Edmund, chief of Child, Youth and School Services.
Edmund said that the two new child development centers currently under construction are scheduled to be completed by August. The centers will accommodate 135 and 160 children, respectively.
Unlike the existing CDCs, which care for infants and children up to 5, the new centers will be open to children 10 and younger. This allows for some services to be consolidated in one location, Edmund said.
"Some of our school-age programs will be moving out of the Youth Center into these new centers," she said.
The new facility for the Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills, or SKIES, is expected to be completed in June.
"We're really excited about the new building and having a permanent location," Edmund said.
She also pointed out that mission-related extended child care is available.
"I want the entire community to know that if you're working on Saturdays, if you're working on Sundays, you need to get in touch with us," she said.
CYSS is also planning to build a small facility that will offer around-the-clock child care. The building will be equipped with bedrooms and showers, Edmund said. A timeline for the construction has not been set.
She also introduced CYSS summer camps and programs, which include camps for children of all ages, a teen apprenticeship program and kindergarten boot camp.
Other items discussed included school liaison initiatives, housing and other on-post construction updates and sports and recreation programs.
Col. Lillian Dixon, garrison commander, and Col. Kevin Shwedo, deputy commanding officer, emphasized the importance of town hall meetings and encouraged members of the community to participate.
"The garrison commander and the commanding general really do care about your opinion," Shwedo said. "Without any input or insight we don't have an opportunity to grow as an installation.
"We want to do what you expect us to do as an installation to become a better, more productive, more supportive community."
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