Valley Youth House celebrated the grand opening of the Carter Family Center at Camp Fowler April 16, providing a much-needed space for year-round recreation, learning, and community gatherings.

The event welcomed legislators, donors and community partners to tour the new facility, enjoy a lunch reception, and hear remarks about the Carter Family Center’s role in expanding programs at Camp Fowler.

Philip C. Jackson, chair of Valley Youth House’s Board of Governors, opened the program by recognizing those in attendance and President and Executive Director Tom Harrington reflected on Camp Fowler’s mission to offer young people experiences that build resilience, confidence and a sense of belonging.

State Reps. Josh Siegel, D-22nd and Milou Mackenzie, R-131st, highlighted the importance of spaces that encourage creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts.

The vision for the Carter Family Center, started with a lead gift from Tammy L. Carter, a native of Slatington, in memory of her late husband Nelson M. Carter, a successful tool and die engineer.

Through the generous donation of her home in South Carolina, Valley Youth House started the campaign to build the Carter Family Center.

Tammy became interested in helping Valley Youth House provide recreational spaces for campers during times of inclement weather.

Over the last three years of planning and raising the necessary funds, the vision for the building evolved into a space for indoor recreation and educational programming to compliment Camp Fowler’s enrichment programs.

Christina Schoemaker, senior vice president of Advancement at Valley Youth House, recognized the many generous supporters whose contributions brought the Carter Family Center to life, including Jim Hoolehan, PE, president of Penntex Construction, Rick Koze of Kay Builders, Inc., Patrick and Betsy Schamberger, Muschlitz Excavating, BEI Electrical, Patrick Schaible, The Salvaggio Family, M.A. Yeakel Sons, Inc., and other key donors.

“Delivering our life changing programs and services at Valley Youth House is only possible through community partnerships and philanthropic support. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Camp Fowler, the Carter Family Center stands as a reminder to what is possible when a community comes together,” Schoemaker said. “Collectively through financial contributions and donations of goods and services, this $2.3 million building will serve young people and families in our community for generations to come. This space reflects the strong commitment of our dozens of donors to helping young people thrive.”

Camp Fowler is part of the Valley Youth House program providing shelter for venerable, abused and homeless youth in the Lehigh Valley.

The program began in 1973 with a single shelter and has grown into a network including over 300 residential facilities.

The Carter Family Center provides a facility for campers at Camp Fowler to experience learning, recreation and connection in a state of the art building.

It features a robust kitchen, state of the art technology and recreational opportunities to provide campers a positive atmosphere of safety and connectivity.