The Chris Paul Foundation and the Clippers Foundation collaborated to renovate a community center in Compton. The Salvation Army Compton Corp Community Center just had a grand opening of their Read to Achieve Live, Learn and Play Center.
“My family and I have always given back to the community. From the time I was a child my parents instilled in my brother and I the importance of being a part of the community by sharing what we have,” Chris stated. “Since I joined the NBA, we have shared our blessings in the cities where I have played. Now that I am in Los Angeles the Clippers Foundation and I have joined forces to do our part to support programs that help motivate young to dream and reach higher. The Salvation Army Community Center in Compton is one of those programs.”
A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony took place on Friday. Chris Paul’s parents, Charles and Robin Paul attended the ceremony. The Foundations equipped the community center with new gaming consoles, computers, tablets, televisions, and fitness equipment.
“I am so excited for this event today,” said Robin. “This does my heart good to see these kids as they go around to these different rooms and see the new stuff and see the difference that some of us are trying to make in their lives. That is really what the Chris Paul Family Foundation is all about.”
At the ceremony, community members were able to tour the facilities. In every renovated room, there was a photo showing how room looked before. Renovated rooms include a video/sound studio, game room, and outdoor activity area.
On the walls of the refurbished rooms are words in frames. Words include perseverance, dedication, think, and discover. The words are meant to encourage the students, according to Chris.
“I want them to be able to go there and be kids. Share some fun with their friends and get help with their homework,” Chris stated. “I want them to be able to read the power words we have on the walls and absorb them so they know the sky is the limit.”
The California State Assembly presented the Salvation Army Compton Corps Community Center and both foundations with commendations for the project.
“Sometimes we are forgotten over here in the city of Compton,” said Michelle Chambers, a field representative for Assemblymen Mike A. Gipson. “Thanks to these organizations and these wonderful foundations, our children have a place to find safe refuge for literacy.”
Chris Paul started the CP3 foundation during 2005 in honor of his late grandfather. The foundation would give scholarships to high school students to attend Wake Forest University, the alma Mater of Chris, according to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The foundation recently changed it’s name to the Chris Paul Family Foundation. Through the years, the Foundation won the NBA Community Assist Award five times.
