LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A new center is set to open next year that will cater to Lexington's large Hispanic community.
They broke ground this past week, and the family who’s funding the project is excited to give back to thousands of people who need it.
The building is going up on the corner of Alexandria and Devonport Drives. It’s expected to be done in 2020.
“It's going to physically look like something from southwestern United States, Southern California, New Mexico, Arizona,” said Deacon James Bennett.
Deacon Bennett the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, and his wife, have poured their hearts into a nearly decade-long project that will benefit the Latin American community.
After both lived and worked in South America, the Bennett's started a Hispanic ministry in Lexington and now a foundation that will fund this center.
“We just saw a huge gap between what other people have access to and what they have access to. We want to help close that gap,” said Bennett.
And that's exactly what they're doing. Nearly 10,000 Hispanic people will be within walking distance of this community center.
It will offer several social services like medical screenings, counseling, and legal aid. A community room will also be open for receptions and gatherings.
“This is like the dream my wife and I had. Tuesday was a wonderful day in many ways,” said Bennett.
Bennett says while the road to opening the doors will be a long one, he knows the reward is worth the wait.
“I just ask people to pray for the success of the place and God's providence is already working,” said Bennett.
