ORANGE PARK – Challenge Enterprises is so eager to show how much work was completed to expand and improve its Club Challenge program it’s opening its doors and inviting the public to “show everyone what’s going on.”

Refurbishing a kitchen and dining room at the rear of the Challenge Enterprise Plaza has taken a year. It allowed the organization, which provides adult day care training, residential services, and employment services to people with different abilities, to move some of its services from the front of the building – all while supporting programs for people with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities. At the same time, staff assist families in navigating Florida’s eligibility for services.

The new kitchen means people will gain experience finding jobs in the food industry, said CEO Katie Vineyard.

“We got some donations from companies like Clay Electric Round-Up,” she said. “We had some other donors to renovate the space, get new flooring, and paint, and then really, what we did was the kitchen. The kitchen looks similar to a commercial kitchen, so some club members could learn how to cook and other skills, perhaps leading to a job. The kitchen was fully renovated with cabinets, countertops and all new appliances.”

The ribbon-cutting and open house will be on April 16 at 3 p.m. Club Challenge's address is 550-B Stowe Ave. It’s the same building as Challenge Enterprises on Kingsley Avenue, but the entrance for Club Challenge is at the back of the building.

Vineyard said the open house, which will include light refreshments and be at 4 p.m., is open to the public.

Other donors like the Greiner Foundation, Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival, Larson Family, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4365, 100 Women Who Care, Board Member Bill Powers and Penny Brown made the project possible.

“Now it’s time to show it off,” Vineyard said.