Cindy Hawkins, a longtime friend of youngsters in the Alabaster area, will officially open her Kids First Awareness Community Learning Center on Saturday, July 20 with a dedication ceremony to be presided over by State Rep. Mike Hill.

Hawkins said the center will encourage children to stay in school and to avoid drugs and violence through Jesus, a Christian life,

family, education, teamwork, community, jobs and professionalism.

The center is located at 10 Mt. Olive Road next to the Alabaster Police Department’s

East Precinct. An open house will be held from 9 am. until 5 p.m. The dedication ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m.

Also expected to attend are Alabaster city officials and representatives of the First Baptist Church of Alabaster and Southern Hills Christian Church.

Hawkins said both the building and utility services

for the center are being donated for one year by the Columbiana Housing Authority.

She said the center will offer youngsters homework assistance, computer training, a teen program, Bible study classes, a drug addiction program and women services.

Four the past four years Hawkins and her husband, Oscar, had held day events for Alabaster youngsters including hayrides, moon walks, games and free lunch, as well as special guests to speak about the importance of school and the importance of staying in school and away from drugs and violence.

Letters were also read from President George W. Bush, Gov. Don Siegelman, State Rep. Mike Hill, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby and Teresa Shaw, children’s minister at Westwood Baptist Church.

According to Hawkins, the open house and dedication will include food, games and music.

However, she stressed that the center is still in need of financial support and other items for the center. She said to make a donation call 205-685-9276