Project Renewal Executive Director Ann Schwickerath speaks Nov. 1 during a celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary outside its “Treat House” in Davenport.
By Barb Arland-Fye
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — Late afternoon sunshine highlighted the new, two-story Project Renewal youth center with blue siding and bright yellow door as supporters celebrated the building’s near completion and the organization’s 50th anniversary in a financially challenged neighborhood on Nov. 1.
“From its humble beginnings, Project Renewal has grown into a vital resource, providing essential after-school services, summer programming and unwavering support to those in need of a safe and loving environment,” Nick Anderson, vice president of the organization’s board of directors, told the gathering.
He spoke across the street from the new building, in the yard of the nearly century-old house lovingly called the “Treat House” by the Project Renewal youths who participate in activities and enjoy snacks there at no charge. Project Renewal has outgrown the Treat House, which served as the impetus for a $2.5 million capital campaign to continue and expand opportunities for youths. The nonprofit has secured $1.6 million so far and is seeking additional support from the community.
Project Renewal continues the legacy of its founder, the late Sister Concetta Bendicente of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and her collaborators — her religious community and the late Msgr. Marvin Mottet of the Davenport Diocese.
Anderson paid tribute to the founders and to the invaluable leadership of the current executive director, Ann Schwickerath, who has led Project Renewal for 31 years. “We lift you up here today, Ann, for your passion, commitment, for being the heart and soul behind the success of Project Renewal.”
“Our mission is simple, ‘We empower children and families by acting as a loving presence in the neighborhood.’ Today we stand on the threshold of a new chapter in Project Renewal’s legacy in serving this community by adding to our physical presence,” Anderson said.
Then, he made a surprise announcement — a second new project to respond to the needs of the neighborhood’s youths and families — a new building to replace the Treat House. “Phase 2 of our efforts to renovate the Treat House took a twist recently as our hopes were to retain the house and make much needed repairs,” he said. “However, the foundation of the house is beyond repair and is nearing the end of its functional life. Despite much debate and consideration of various options, the most economically feasible outcome is to do a complete rebuild.”
The St. Ambrose University Dance Team performs on the street in front of Project Renewal’s new youth center in Davenport on Nov. 1.
While the board had not anticipated that outcome initially, “we believe it is another opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the next 50 years!” Anderson said. “We look forward to working with all of our community partners, donors and volunteers to help us sustain and expand our mission by taking on this next project.”
Anderson’s announcement followed speeches by Schwickerath, Janee Jackson-Doering (a past “Project Renewal kid”), and Dan Ebener, a St. Ambrose University professor and past diocesan social action director who had a close relationship with Msgr. Mottet. Third-grader Braelynn Richardson, a current “Project Renewal kid,” choked back tears as she attempted to tell the gathering how much the Treat House meant to her. Jim Russell of Russell Construction spoke after Anderson. Russell Construction is a construction partner alongside Streamline Architects on the Project Renewal youth center.
“Each of you here has played an important part in making a difference in Project Renewal’s mission, impacting countless lives of our kids, families, neighbors and wider community,” Schwickerath said in her speech, growing teary-eyed a few times.
She highlighted three aspects of Project Renewal’s uniqueness. First, “we operate out of a house in the neighborhood we serve and have staff that live in the neighborhood as well. Second, we provide programs and opportunities for youth in all grades K-12, a whole family can come here, and we have cohorts — elementary, middle school and high school.” At whatever age a child starts attending Project Renewal, “95% or more do stay with us through high school graduation with a plan for life after high school.” Third, “there is no charge, no fee, for our assistance, ever. Academic support, recreational activities, social-emotional experiences, tutoring, mentoring, field trips, meals, swimming lessons, you name it. It takes a village, we are thankful for our village.”
