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Going the distance at Modesto’s Red Shield Center


Coach Juan Barrera, center, demonstrates punching a bag for Moises Acevedo, right, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, during a boxing class offered by the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Center in Modesto. The program is led by Barrera. Classes are offered Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for ages 5 and up. The center has a sanctioned boxing team that competes around California. The program helps build confidence and self-esteem, and offers a safe environment. The Salvation Army Red Shield Center is at 1649 Las Vegas St.
Coach Juan Barrera, center, demonstrates punching a bag for Moises Acevedo, right, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, during a boxing class offered by the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Center in Modesto. The program is led by Barrera. Classes are offered Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for ages 5 and up. The center has a sanctioned boxing team that competes around California. The program helps build confidence and self-esteem, and offers a safe environment. The Salvation Army Red Shield Center is at 1649 Las Vegas St. jwestberg@modbee.com

No punches are pulled at the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Center in south Modesto, where children and adults become physically, spiritually and mentally fit as they learn to box.

About 80 to 90 people participate in the boxing program each week, said Glafira Romero, the center’s program director. Most of them are children, but about 20 parents train along with their kids. She said the program stresses the whole person, including spiritual development and learning to make good choices. She said the coach incorporates prayer, Scripture and devotions in the workout.

The program is for anyone 5 and older. The entry fee is $1 for children and $2 for adults, and the monthly fee is $5 for children and $15 for adults. Two classes are held weekday afternoons: a beginners class from 4:30 to 5 p.m. and an advanced class from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The Red Shield Center offers programs and activities for children and adults, including an at-risk teen program; computer classes for children and adults, worship services and Bible study, tutoring and mentoring, and a range of physical activities.

To learn more, go to www.redshieldmodesto.org or call (209) 538-7111.

This story was originally published January 29, 2015 at 3:40 PM with the headline "Going the distance at Modesto’s Red Shield Center."

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