To say 2018 has been busy could be the understatement of the year for the volunteers at the Kids Like Us Community Learning Center.

Lisa Lyons, founder of Kids Like Us, told the Elizabethton Star Tuesday that the foot traffic has been bustling since the winter with children from across the region utilizing the resources available at their location on Rogosin Drive.

“We’re averaging around 70 to 75 kids a week now,” Lyons said. “The ages range from 5 to 22 years old. We still have several of the same classes going on, youth night on Thursday, and we’re doing studies with books about how to manage emotions, attitude and other things that are necessary.”

Kids Like Us, which opened its community center to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 2, fully encompasses various activities available and is opened to serve the needs of the special needs community in the Tri-Cities.

Lyons said the center’s goal is to provide guidance and support for area youth, while providing education to the general public.

Even though the work is fulfilling, volunteers have been pulling double duty at the center and organizing various fundraisers to keep the facility operational for the public.

To assist with the cause, Kids Like Us is hosting their inaugural golf tournament on Saturday, April 21, at the Elizabethton Golf Course with festivities set to begin around noon.

Individuals looking to participate can either play solo during the day for $50 or a team is $200. The cost includes lunch and participating in the tournament.

Lyons added that registration is open until Thursday and that all proceeds will be directly funneled back into the center for upcoming projects and operational costs.

According to Lyons, the center has received a tremendous amount of support from the community and the ability to host these types of events are key for future growth. The estimated cost of operation a month is $3,000.

Members of the public looking to support the facility can either email kidslikeuscommunity@gmail.com or visit the Kids Like Us Community Learning Center Facebook page.