SAN ANTONIO – SAMMinistries celebrated the grand opening Wednesday of the Harvey E. Najim Library and Children's Enrichment Center.
The library, which is 60 percent larger than the previous facility, provides a family-friendly learning center with special areas for younger children and teens.
The enrichment center has been transformed from a single open space into an area that allows for age appropriate group separation, access to indoor and outdoor play, group project or study space and room for one-on-one tutoring.
"Homeless children are traditionally behind in reading, math and science. This gives them the opportunity to come into this library and to pick out one of these many books to make sure they stay at grade level, Harvey Najim, president of the Najim Family Foundation, said.
The $825,000 renovation project began in May.
SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center is designed to help people transition out of homelessness.
President and CEO Navarra Williams said he hopes more people will volunteer their time at the library, so that they can keep their doors open to serve the community.