LeBron James, giving back to his native Akron
The current LA Lakers star plans to build a health centre in the city of Akron (Cleveland) with the project expected to be completed at the end of 2023.
The name of Akron (Ohio) resonates with sports fans throughout the world for one thing, the city is the birthplace of NBA superstar LeBron James.
‘King James’ cut his teeth in the world of basketball playing for St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his hometown and was already as a young man, heavily touted by the national media as a future NBA superstar. At the age of 19, he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft and made his name in the NBA with the Cavs, Miami Heat and current team LA Lakers.
James has always been involved in a series of social solidarity campaigns and after the creation of his I Promise Village in Akron which includes individual living units for students and their families who need a safe, comforting place to stay as they work through challenges they may be facing including homelessness, domestic violence, and other unforeseen circumstances, the player embarks on his next project for the city with the I Promise HealthQuarters.
I Promise HealthQuarters
Earmarked to open next year (2023), the latest venture from the Akron native via his LeBron James Family Foundation will be the opening of a medical center offering medical, dental, and eye care, along with a lower-cost pharmacy.
The I Promise Healthquarters is near the I Promise School and the I Promise District which offers transitional and affordable housing.
This project will also coincide with the House Three Thirty initiative which is set to offer hands-on job training for some of the most skilled yet underrepresented workers in the Akron area – giving them essential experience they can embark into even bigger career opportunities.