11/06/2024
A Message from Anthony Ways, Founder of DARE Academy, Community Youth Leadership Advisory Board & CANDO
I want to send a big shout-out and thank you to every partner and supporter who helped turn 1656 Kaighn Ave into more than just a building. It was a place of opportunity, growth, and love for Camden’s youth and small businesses.
You all have brought energy into the media center, the production studio, podcast studio, small business wing, gymnastics studio, dance studio, and mentoring programs ranging from trauma intervention to college prep. Your dedication is what made the vision come alive, and I’m blessed to have walked this journey with everyone.
To our youth I offer my apologies for not sustaining our institution for our community but know the journey continues.
The recent decision by the school district and the City of Camden to condemn part of the building was as unexpected to us as it was to you. This action has disrupted the rhythm for many of the organizations, programs, and small businesses that made the center thrive. WE HAD TO LEAVE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT NOTICE OR DUE PROCESS. That’s not how we deserve to be treated. And one way or another those responsible will be held accountable to the law.
To clarify, Dare 2 Dance and Dare 2 Flip, two of our valued partners, remains open and are now using a different entrance to access the facility. Like the rest of us, they have been impacted by this sudden disruption, and we all share in the frustration this has caused.
But let me be clear: I’m not going to let this setback deter me from my Gods mission. What we built together was never just about a building—it’s about a movement towards community growth. It’s about empowering our youth, supporting small businesses, and creating spaces where we can thrive, no matter what.
This may be a roadblock, but it's not the end of the road. I’m still committed to finding new opportunities, new spaces, and continued growth for our community. God’s mission continues, and I know that everything happens for the good of God's creation, even when there are obstacles to overcome.
Thank you for your strength, your support, and your faith. Let’s keep building, keep striving, and keep uplifting Camden—TOGETHER We CAN DO ANYTHING !!!
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