KENNEWICK, Wash. – A new youth center is opening in Kennewick! Joe Thornton, the owner of the Big Bro Joe Foundation and Total Impact Sports Gym, has changed his old gym into a place where his little bros can gather and build relationships in the community.
Thornton says he wants to share his dream with the community by hosting a grand opening event.
“I’ll have a lot of different bounce houses and food,” said Thornton. “Activities and just good energy. I think a lot of time, especially in today’s day and age, we need many more activities that bring people together as one, and it’s a good time.”
Thornton said he’s added foosball tables, computers, TVs, books, and games to give the little bros somewhere to go.
He says all those things are material, but the most important thing is building lifelong friendships.
“We form relationships with our mentors and mentees,” he said. “Impacting these young men on a different level by connecting with them. Through activities and through events and trips and things that we do.”
Thornton says the whole purpose is to give these young men a haven, a place away from home.
He expects to hold his grand opening on May 18th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thornton says even a few Seattle Seahawks will be at the celebration!
