Builders Care is set to begin renovations at AMIkids Jacksonville on Beach Boulevard near Hodges.
The project will include a complete interior and exterior makeover of the approximately 13,000-square-foot school building. Completion of the $1.2 million project is anticipated by December.
“Builders Care is honored to be working on this very important project,” said Builders Care Executive Director Matt Wilford. “This is a nationally recognized program that has helped many troubled young people turn their lives around. The school is a tremendous asset to our community.”
Formerly the Jacksonville Marine Institute, AMIkids Jacksonville is a subsidiary program of AMIkids, an alternative educational and counseling program for at-risk youth, ages 14 to 18. The students in the program are often in the juvenile justice system or have failed in the public school system.
“AMIkids Jacksonville is a part of an innovative national network of day-treatment programs and has been serving the community for more than 40 years,” said David Hull of the AMIkids board of trustees. “The renovation of our Beach Boulevard facility will give the school a solid base from which to continue this valuable service.”
The AMIkids day treatment programs are the only day-treatment programs in the country that have been recognized by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as model programs.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the project are 2-5 p.m., Oct. 16, at the school at 13375 Beach Blvd. Local officials will be on hand to mark the occasion and the beginning of the work that is expected to be complete by the end of this year.
“There is a great need for volunteers, donations and support from the community,” Wilford said. “We are counting on NEFBA members and the community at large to be part of this renovation for an association that has helped thousands of young people in Northeast Florida over the years, and will continue to do so in the years to come.”
Contact Builders Care at (904) 727-3443 or visit online at www.builderscare.org.