The Mangonia Park Town Council voted 3-2 on Tuesday night to approve a special exception request for the Extraordinary Kids Foundation, ending months of uncertainty over the nonprofit’s future in the town. The request was tied to code violations first raised in July.
The approval lets the group keep offering its programs, including services for children with special needs and weekly community outreach. Supporters attending the meeting applauded the vote.
Founder and CEO Madean Gilzene said she had feared for the families who rely on the group if it had to close. “When I heard the yeses, my heart just exploded,” she said.
Gilzene said the organization does more than outreach. She said some people come to its Saturday events every week and have no other option without it. Supporters told town leaders earlier that the nonprofit helps connect families with food, resources and community support.
The group is nearing its 10-year anniversary and wants a permanent building to serve as a community center and family resource center. Gilzene said she hopes the vote leads to a better working relationship with the Town of Mangonia Park.
