JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a zip code that often makes the news for shootings and murders, the spotlight is on 32209 for a different reason. More than two dozen adults were celebrating a big accomplishment Monday night.
They walked across the stage at Arlington Baptist Church and received their high school diplomas. The adults, who are between the ages of 18 and 50, are residents of the Vista Landing Apartments on Cleveland Road. They all graduated from Sponsored by Grace’s High School Empowerment Program.
“This apartment complex that has been known for murders, gangs, overdoses, poverty, and crime is now experiencing a hope that has never been discovered before,” Ron Armstrong, founder of Sponsored of Grace said. “This graduation means hope. Hope for a community that has been unseen and unheard of for generations that can see there is light for not only them but their children as well.”
Armstrong says there’s still work to be done, and he’s grateful for everyone who has stepped up to help his non-profit’s mission to elevate, engage and empower children and families.
“The importance of this happening in what many would call the murder capital zip code of the city hopefully is telling a story for many to see that work is being done and rewriting a story of redemption for the most hopeful zip code of Jacksonville.”