The University of the Virgin Islands marked the completion and rededication of the newly expanded Frederiksted Resource Center on Thursday, November 15, 2012.
Originally
constructed in 2007 as a result of the combined efforts of the
University of the Virgin Islands Community Engagement and Lifelong
Learning (UVICELL) Center, Our Town Frederiksted and a number of
strategic community partners, the project is designed to assist in
the revitalization of the historic town and expand the role of the
University in the community.
The rededication ceremony celebrated the completion of Phase II of the project, which will expand the services offered to the surrounding community. Phase II of the project was made possible by a $794,220 grant from the Housing and Urban Development Authority (HUD).
"We are extremely excited about the completion of this project as it will open up so many more possibilities for the town of Frederiksted." said UVICELL director Ilene Garner. "As a result of the expansion, we can better support entrepreneurial activity, job services and provide training in high-demand and emerging occupations to the historic town."
The construction project added 1,600 square feet of space to the existing structure. It will provide more access for the physically challenged and offers enhanced services to the community.
Through its partnership with the VI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the VI Department of Labor, the Frederiksted Resource Center will serve as an incubator for existing and emerging microenterprises, create an access point to extend the services of the Department of Labor in the town of Frederiksted and create an infrastructure to deliver programs to enhance the basic skills of residents across the territory.
For more information on the Frederiksted Resource Center, contact the UVICELL Center at (340) 693-1100.