The Pleasantville Youth Initiative has begun the process of trying to raise funds for a new building on the square in downtown Pleasantville. The Youth Initiative offers teens and community members opportunities to build skills, find community and have fun in a safe environment.

The Youth Initiative has purchased the old Pleasantville Grocery Store on the square, but the building has been deemed unusable. With demolition now necessary, the Pleasantville Youth Initiative’s anticipated need of $400-500 thousand has now grown to $1.6 million for demolition, site purchase and construction costs. Co-Founders Jennie Koenig and Emily Caulkins tell KNIA/KRLS News that while the costs of the project seems challenging to reach in their small town, they believe it will benefit the community. 

“It was a little daunting when we first saw those numbers, and in our small community we were like, is this possible? Can we do this? And then after we sat down and prayed about it and thought about it, we really thought this could be our first big, extravagant gift we give to our community.”

The Pleasantville Youth Initiative hopes to begin the building project in July 2022.