Ground was broken this week on the Oddie Project, a new 70,000‑square‑foot community hub slated for Sparks, Nevada, just off Sullivan Lane and Oddie Boulevard. The development is a joint effort by the Children’s Cabinet and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, designed to place a wide range of essential services under one roof for local families.
One‑stop resource center for families
Kim Young, CEO of the Children’s Cabinet, explained that the center will provide case management, a market pantry, workforce‑training programs, a production kitchen and job‑support services. “An array of services and supports that help people get to a place where they can thrive together, whether they’re an individual or a family,” Young said.
Nicole Lamboley, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, added that the Food Bank will continue its expertise in food and nutrition, while the Children’s Cabinet will deliver its suite of programs. The Boys and Girls Club will operate the Early Learning Center for children ages zero through five, and Community Health Alliance, already located in the building, will maintain health‑related services.
Addressing post‑pandemic needs
The vision for the Oddie Project emerged from conversations after the pandemic, when many resources disappeared and funding gaps left families vulnerable. Lamboley recounted a recent incident: “A year from now, we were standing in this parking lot because there was a lapse in SNAP benefits, and the food bank did a pop‑up food distribution to help those neighbors who unexpectedly lost their SNAP benefits. That’s the type of site that will be responding to the needs when the needs arise.”
By co‑locating early education, nutrition assistance, health services and job training, the project aims to reduce unnecessary barriers that often force families to travel to multiple locations for basic needs.
Timeline and impact
Construction is expected to take about 18 months, after which the facility will serve as a model of what strong partnerships can achieve for a community. Local leaders anticipate that the combined services will boost family stability, improve child outcomes and strengthen the regional workforce.
“We will have access to case management, a market pantry, workforce training programs, a production kitchen, and job support,” Young reiterated, emphasizing the goal of helping residents move from survival to thriving.
Community response
Early reactions from Sparks residents have been positive, with many expressing relief that a single location will simplify access to critical resources. The project reflects a broader trend of nonprofit collaboration aimed at addressing the holistic needs of families, especially in areas where public funding has been strained.
When completed, the Oddie Project will stand as a testament to the power of community partnership, offering a safe, supportive environment where children can learn, families can receive nourishment, and adults can gain the skills needed for sustainable employment.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
