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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Kids First Awareness Development Ministry recently celebrated an open house for community members to learn more about what is offered.

Margaret Hawkins of Kids First said the event had a “great turnout.”

The center is an extension of work Hawkins has already been doing to help those in the neighborhoods surrounding the center.

Hawkins said they have focused on learning fundamentals help.

“We try to help people where they are (and) get to where they want to be,” Hawkins said.

In the past, this has mostly included services for adults. Hawkins said these free services will continue, but now, homework help, access to technology, credit recovery and music lessons for children will be added.

Education is a focus, but Hawkins’s main goal is to foster “a good positive attitude” that will lead to positive change.

“It’s a way to change your mind and change your life,” Hawkins said.

Having resources within walking distance for children is important to Hawkins.

“We have the resources that they can literally change their lives,” Hawkins said.

The benefits offered at Kids First are available to everyone free of charge.

Hawkins wants Kids First to be a place where people can build relationships that will unify the community for the common goal of moving forward to better things.

She said the open house marked the beginning of “something great” for the community.

Programs for adults include resume writing help, job interview practice and tips.

For more information, visit kidsfirst123.com or call 205-706-9467.

The center is located 115 13th (Martin Luther King Jr.) St. N.