Since Mt. Zion purchased the building at the corner of Maybee and Sashabaw roads in 1996, teens have had a safe, educational environment to hang out after school.
On May 28, the Clarkston Christian Association building closed its doors as Mt. Zion is selling the structure.
‘Someone has offered to purchase the building and the offer was too good to refuse,? said Associate Minister Richard Nowik, who noted sales discussions date back to early 2006. Neither Nowik or other Mt. Zion officials would answer questions related to the details of the sale.
‘A lot of the kids and parents are sad to see it go. But we’re happy we won’t miss a beat by moving programs to other locations,? Nowik added.
‘It wasn’t a financial concern, it was more of an opportunity. There is a sense of loss, but you hope it will all be going again by fall.?
Nowik said all the activities ? which include in-line skating, skateboarding, a dance school, billiards and after school programs ? should continue at other locations.
Currently, plans are in place to move some of Mt. Zion’s programs to their Waterford Christian Association building and the school of dance will go to the main church building on Maybee Road, said Nowik.
One parent, Clarkston’s Candace Woodward, who’s 12-year-old son Tony has frequented the CCA for the last two years, plans to have her son stay involved despite the move. She also wanted to express her gratitude to Mt. Zion.
‘I can’t imagine (the CCA) is a money maker for them. I truly appreciate that Mt. Zion saw the need for a place for young people to go,? said Woodward.
‘It gave me a place for my son to go after school where I knew he’d be supervised and not on his own at home. It provides me as a parent a safe place for my child to go.?
Woodward also said the environment provided strong role models for her son.
‘I hope the community understands they might end up after school with a lot of kids with skateboards and no where to go,? said Woodward.
Nowik also confirmed a purchase of the Christ the Redeemer Church building in Lake Orion by Mt. Zion on May 17.
‘It’s going to be used for the young adult ministry of Mt. Zion which was housed at the CCA,? said Nowik. ‘It’s a beautiful sanctuary that seats about 400 people. It’s a beautiful facility and a significant upgrade.?
A Sunday evening young adult service and life enrichment classes throughout the week are planned at the newly purchased building, said Nowik.
According to Mt. Zion’s Web site, the CCA is a community outreach for youth and young adults ‘out of a desire to provide a safe environment for you people to hangout and learn about God.?