Lydia Urban Academy celebrates opening of new location Oct. 18

Online Staff Report

Lydia Urban Academy will celebrate its new location with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18.

The academy’s new location is on the third floor of the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) building, 223 S. Winnebago St., Rockford.

Lydia Urban Academy is a non-traditional, Christian high school whose purpose is to serve students who are not succeeding in a traditional school system. Lydia is a diploma program with a unique focus on character education, work readiness, life skills training and mentoring.

The community is invited to celebrate the event with light refreshments, tours and networking.

“We have a very specific place and purpose in Rockford,” said Lynne Strathman, executive director of the academy. “Partnering with the Housing Authority helps us make those next steps in fulfilling that purpose.”

Ron Clewer, deputy executive director of asset management and development for the RHA, said: “The relationship with Lydia Urban Academy clearly fits RHA’s desire to expand educational partnerships and to increase educational opportunities for those who are in need. We welcome the academy staff and students to our corporate office and look forward to the new opportunities this relationship will produce.”

Posted Oct. 18, 2012