This community effort was initiated by Akil and Carolyn Khalfani, a low income family residing in the rural area of Archer, Florida. Concern for the future of their two small children, led them to the realization that it truly “takes a village to raise a child”. The out-of-home dynamics of community life tends to overwhelm family values once children are exposed to life outside of the family realm. In light of this, we concluded that as responsible parents, it is necessary to become involved in creating safe, nurturing places for young people to socialize and spend their out-of-school hours. Our first support came from the Community Technology Center Network, who provided guidance in helping us organize a community technology center for the benefit of youth and their families. Program design ideas came from local, national, and international youth/family services organization via the internet. The City of Archer supported this effort through a variety of in-kind grants, including land for a site, computers and equipment. Many very busy individuals volunteered their skills and time to help us develop an organization, served on boards and committees, and promised to mentor residents to take on leadership responsibilities as board and steering committee members.

The names and brief bios of these individuals, past and present members, are listed elsewhere on this website along with numerous local organizations and businesses that have supported this effort. We have tremendous resources available within Alachua County to improve our neighborhoods. Our lesson is that those citizens with the greatest needs must take the initiative to activate these resources in improving their lives.