ORANGE PARK - As parents of three, Nikita and Greg Copeland know that it takes a village to raise a child.

A familiar community of individuals who are willing to help them be the best they can be. 

It's a concept they are excited to bring to life with the opening of Orange Park's newest youth community center next August.

The center will offer a range of youth-focused programs designed to empower them with essential life skills, creative outlets, and mentorship.

"It's not just your typical community center. It is a community center that aims at community," Nikita said. "We want to bring back the basics of a lot of things that our kids are losing."

From arts, sports, culinary, photography, cooking and sewing to financial literacy, permaculture and theatre, she said there will be a lot of options for each young "wolf" to choose from and lead the pack.

The Copelands' inspiration for the center came after they said they threw a birthday party for their children and noticed that a lot of their friends couldn't swim or even ride a bike.

"When we asked them why, it's usually because one parent is deployed, or working, or not there. Or there's only a single parent, and their mom works two jobs to make ends meet," she said. "So, they're missing that necessary coaching on how to be a kid."

Nikita isn't new to the idea of building a youth center that changes lives. Growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, she watched her parents build their own center from the ground up. She said it was only natural to follow in their footsteps.

Each program is specially taught and headed by experienced teachers, mentors and coaches. 

Take Tutoring and Theater Program Head Victoria Tompkins, who has been an active member of the theater community for the past seven years and has directed shows such as "Moana Jr.," "Madagascar," and "The Lion King."

Or the Sports Program Director, Coach Larry, who has more than 30 years of experience in youth sports.

Greg will head the permaculture program, as well as serve as a boxing coach. As a Golden Glove medalist, Greg said he has had over two decades of experience in the ring. 

It's about building a solid foundation and leading a new generation into the future with the necessary knowledge and groundwork. Nikita said that having after-school programs available is a dire need for students all over. 

"We want to be the go-to for parents and families and their children. Where they have a safe place to go," she said.

What sets them apart is their incorporation of various educational opportunities.

Some community impact goals they hope to achieve include serving more than 500 youth annually, forming more than 100 mentorships and improving academic and social outcomes. 

It Takes a Village hosted their first fundraising gala on Friday, Sept. 26.  "The Night to Rebuild the Village" event featured a live and silent auction, seeking to raise money to put towards finding an official place for the center to call home.

In addition to dinner and music, current wolves showcased their first test of leading the pack and took full control of serving guests.

Until they officially open, Nikita said, continuing to promote the center's name and forming community partnerships will be key.

She urges the community to visit itavop.org to learn more, get involved or even volunteer.

"We're not just another organization, we're building a movement that's bigger than ourselves," she said.