T.U.F.F. Kids hosts Grand Opening

CLEVELAND – The long-awaited grand opening of the Cleveland Youth Center was very well attended and full of emotions.

The event was held on Feb. 1 as family and friends gathered to celebrate the opening, as it had been a roller coaster for Ivan Williams, Eisha Jones, and those who supported everything they worked so hard to accomplish for the Cleveland community.

“It has been a tremendous journey for all of us,” Jones said.

T. U. F. F. Kids has devoted their energy to educating, mentoring, and helping children around the Greater Cleveland community and has offered many additional education opportunities to families since 2010.

The journey started in April of 2010 when former Cleveland High School student Ivan Williams was approached by Barbara McIntyre, Mayor of Cleveland at the time. He was asked to develop a youth organization for the community as the city pool would be out of commission for the summer.

Williams contacted all his friends, family, old classmates, and anyone he could think of to help him accomplish this quest.

Once gathered, they learned they all wanted to improve the community.

They partnered with the school district as they were offered classrooms to use over the summer. They then realized they needed their own building to achieve their goals.

They were able to identify the old Masonic Lodge, but it was a process securing the location. After speaking with many people about the lodge, she contacted the right people, and the process was underway.

A few months later, she was able to proceed with her vision.

The building needed a more solid foundation and many needed repairs. Unfortunately, the job was estimated to be very expensive.

Jones then decided to work harder and host fundraisers throughout the community to raise money for the renovation.

COVID-19 put a hold on the fundraisers and caused a little bit of discouragement until family and friends came together to get the job done.

“I promise this will be the beacon of the community for generations to come,” said Jones. “ Children don’t have the common knowledge us adults have, and someone has to fill in that gap.”

Just a few years later, everything came together for this non-profit organization.

At the grand opening, Jones gave a touching and tearful speech, sharing her gratitude to everyone who helped make this dream come true.

Over the years, around 450 kids have attended each summer. As they are still fixing the kinks and finalizing everything, they are working on a set schedule and will provide year-round after-school programming.

They are currently working with Sam Houston State University to provide a “Financial Aid Workshop.”

Registration is completely free. If you are interested in registering your child, volunteering you and your knowledge, or have any questions, you may visit their website at www.tuffkids.org, call them at 405-474-1977, or at 1609 Ross Ave. Cleveland, TX 77327.