Following several years of planning and successful fundraising, the B5 Community Learning Center in Kennewick, Wash., celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on May 15. Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, spoke at the event, which dozens of Kennewick stakeholders attended.

“The opening of the B5 Learning Center is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the unwavering spirit of our community. It is a place where dreams will be nurtured, and lives will be transformed, reflecting our shared commitment to making Kennewick a welcoming and inclusive home for all,” Boehnke said.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour the new Center, learn more about B5’s programs and services, meet individuals and families from the B5 community, and engage with staff and volunteers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of newly arrived refugees and immigrants.

Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community, and the B5 Learning Center is a shining example of how we can come together to provide vital support to those in need. This center will play a crucial role in helping families build new lives and contribute to the rich tapestry of our society,” Boehnke said.

The center’s 4,300 square feet include a warming kitchen, child care space, a computer lab, two fixed classrooms, and a central space for larger activities and events.

For the past 15 years, the center, formerly the Family Learning Center, has served the refugee community in the Tri-Cities area.