NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The SafeHaven Empowerment Center will be opening its doors Thursday.
The wellness center will host its ribbon-cutting cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. at 429 Thorncliff Drive.
The City of Newport News teamed up with Super Bowl Champion and former NFL player Antoine Bethea's foundation, Bethea Family Foundation to create a center aimed at youth empowerment. The center will offer educational support, mentorship programs, career development workshops, and wellness services.
“I am proud to see the SafeHaven Empowerment Center become a reality,” said Bethea. “This center represents more than just a building—it's a place where our youth can access the tools and guidance they need to achieve their full potential. It’s a dream come true for me, and I’m excited to see how it will positively impact the lives of so many in Newport News.”
Along with Bethea, Mayor Phillip Jones, Councilman Marcellus Harris, III, local leaders and youth advocates will be speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Bethea has previously partnered with the city to donate the city's first outdoor lighted basketball court, providing a safe recreational space for the city's youth, known as the Antoine Bethea Basketball Court.
"This is a transformative moment for our community," said Mayor Jones. "With the launch of the Empowerment Center, we have partnered with Antoine and the Bethea Foundation to take bold actions to address the needs of youth and families in our community. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to making Newport News an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am proud of the work that has gone into making this vision a reality, and I look forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring."
