.png)
About St. John Family Life & Fitness Center
The St. John Family Life & Fitness Center (SJFLFC, Inc.) is a vibrant community hub dedicated to enriching lives through programs that support physical wellness, lifelong learning, and community connection.
Located in a beautifully restored 1922 Rosenwald School, SJFLFC stands as a powerful symbol of African American educational history and resilience. Originally built to serve the local Black community during segregation, the school represents a broader movement that expanded access to education across the rural South. Today, SJFLFC preserves and shares this legacy while reimagining the space for modern community needs.
Now transformed into a multi-purpose center, the facility serves as a fitness space, community gathering place, event venue, museum, and resource library. It hosts health initiatives, educational programming, cultural events, and intergenerational activities designed to strengthen and unite the community.
Looking ahead, SJFLFC plans to evolve its programming and space to integrate a dynamic “Living Classroom” initiative encompassing multimedia, interactive technology within its museum, tailored cultural content for specific learner groups, and STEM based learning camps.
SJFLFC's long-term goal is to create a sustainable, community-led education hub that transforms a historic site into an active space for learning, storytelling, and cultural connection. Through intergenerational programs, oral history preservation, youth camps, and partnerships with schools and colleges, the Center will expand access to culturally affirming education while connecting past, present, and future.
As this multi-year initiative grows, SJFLFC will strengthen its role as both a center for community resilience and a regional leader in preserving Black history, advancing equity, and preparing future generations through innovative, experience-based learning.
Rooted in a legacy of education and empowerment, SJFLFC continues to carry that mission forward—nurturing the mind, body, and spirit for generations to come.
Board of Directors
SJFLFC is driven by a dedicated group of volunteer board members, donating their time and experience, and skills to further SJFLFC's historical preservation and community service missions.
.png)
Rebecca Kinney
President
.png)
Kimalee Dickerson
Director/Legal
Advisor
.png)
Pastor Kelvin Hawkins
Vice President
.png)
Lorenzo Dickerson
Director/Business
Tech Support Advisor
.png)
Madelean Hughes
Secretary
.png)
Lewis Johnson
Insurance
Advisor
.png)
Joyce Price
Treasurer
.png)
Hilda Douglas
Director/Health
Programs
Advisory Board
.png)
Shawn Carey
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Frandell Gardner
Elsie Johnson
Tia Hawkins
.png)
Penny Hawkins
Kamisha Spencer
Committee Members
Committee Members
SJFLFC extends our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated committee members for generously giving their time, talents, and energy in service to our mission. Your commitment, teamwork, and willingness to serve help strengthen our organization and make our programs and events possible.
Current Committee Members:
-
Frandell Gardner
-
Elsie Johnson
-
Barbara Morris
-
Dennis Morris
-
Herbert Payne
-
Jean Payne
It takes many helping hands and caring hearts to fulfill our mission. We invite you to become an SJFLFC volunteer! Whether you can give your time, share a special skill, help with an event, or serve on a committee, there is a place for you to make a meaningful contribution.
Get involved. Share your gifts. Serve your community. Make a difference with SJFLFC!
Join Us — Your Gifts Can Make a Difference!
Non-Profit & Funding Structure
The St. John Family Life & Fitness Center (SJFLFC, Inc.) is a nonprofit, secular organization that operates through a combination of grant funding and charitable contributions. As a community-based organization, our programs, services, and ongoing preservation efforts are supported by public and private funding sources rather than commercial revenue.
SJFLFC is sustained through the generosity of grants, donations, and community support. Every program, event, and service we offer is made possible by individuals, partners, and funders who believe in preserving our shared history and strengthening our community.
This model allows SJFLFC to provide accessible, free programming while continuing to maintain and steward the historic site for the benefit of the community.
