JACKSONVILLE, Fla., January 7, 2026 – As the new year gets underway, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida is celebrating a meaningful investment in youth education with the opening of the Panda Cares Center of Hope Learning Center at its Victory Pointe Club in the Victory Pointe Apartments at 6750 Ramona Blvd on Jacksonville’s Westside. The newly renovated space, made possible by a $45,000 grant from Panda Cares, is providing local youth with an inspiring environment to learn, grow, and strengthen both academic and social skills.
Formerly the Club’s art room, the space has been transformed into a dedicated academic learning hub supporting tutoring, literacy, STEM enrichment, homework help, and collaborative learning. The renovation reflects a shared commitment by Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and Panda Cares to start the year by expanding opportunity and access for the young people they serve.
“For many of the kids we serve at Victory Pointe, resources can be limited, and opportunities like this are not always guaranteed,” said Wyatt Parlette, Vice President, Operations for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. “Having access to a space like this sends a powerful message that they deserve the same high quality environments, encouragement, and opportunities as any other child. This Center of Hope shows our youth that their education matters and that their future is worth investing in.”
Panda Cares is the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, which operates more than 2,500 locations worldwide. Through in-store fundraising, Panda Express invites guests to donate at every transaction, helping fund Panda Cares Centers of Hope across the country.
“Our guests make this work possible,” said Allison Adams, Panda Express Area Coach of Operations. “Every donation helps create spaces where youth can access education, build confidence, and grow socially. We hope this Center of Hope provides meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and thrive.”
The Panda Cares Center of Hope Learning Center at the Victory Pointe Club will serve hundreds of local youth each year, reinforcing the shared commitment of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and Panda Cares to invest in education, personal growth, and brighter futures.
