Serve & Connect will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Greg’s Place, a new community center and future headquarters
September 25, 2025
Serve & Connect will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Greg’s Place, a new community center and the future headquarters of the organization, on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 9:30 AM. The center is located off Decker Boulevard at 8131 Brookfield Rd and represents a major step forward in revitalization efforts for the surrounding community.
Greg’s Place was made possible through the hard work, vision, and collaboration of many partners, including Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, the Trinity Presbytery, Richland School District Two, and Richland County, along with grassroots support from the Decker Collective. The vision for Greg’s Place grew out of extensive listening sessions and feedback from local residents and youth, ensuring that the center reflects the needs and hopes of the community.
“Greg’s Place is designed to increase access to local resources, create opportunities for neighbors to connect, and provide a safe space for youth,” said Kassy Alia Ray, PhD, CEO of Serve & Connect. “Our hope is that this space will contribute to the revitalization of Decker Boulevard, a place remembered by many as a hub for entertainment, family, and community life.”
Honoring the Legacy of Officer Greg Alia
Greg’s Place is named in honor of the late Officer Greg Alia, who was killed in the line of duty on September 30, 2015, while serving with the Forest Acres Police Department. Officer Alia grew up in the Decker Boulevard area, attended Richland Northeast High School, and later returned to serve the very community where he was raised. The naming of Greg’s Place reflects both the history that brought Serve & Connect to life and the organization’s mission of fostering positive change through partnership and community action.
Community Impact and Vision
The ribbon cutting marks the official opening of the first of three buildings on the Greg’s Place property. The center will host events, workshops, trainings, and access to community resources. This project has been made possible through funding from Richland County and the South Carolina State Legislature.
By creating a safe, vibrant hub for local residents, Greg’s Place aims to strengthen connections among neighbors, foster youth development, and serve as a catalyst for long-term revitalization around Decker Boulevard.
Event Program
The ceremony will feature remarks from:
- Kassy Alia Ray, PhD, CEO of Serve & Connect and widow of Officer Greg Alia
- Representative Beth Bernstein
- Senator Overture Walker
- Richland County Councilmember Cheryl English
- Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott
Also in attendance will be Dr. and Mrs. Richard Alia, parents of Officer Alia, along with community leaders and partners who helped make this vision a reality.
Remember and Rise: Evening Memorial Concert and Celebration
Later that day, the City of Forest Acres will host Remember and Rise, a community celebration and memorial concert honoring Officer Greg Alia and commemorating the resilience of the community following the flood of 2015.
The event will take place on Friday, October 3, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at Gills Creek Memorial Park. Community members are invited to gather for an evening of remembrance, music, and fellowship, honoring the strength and spirit that continue to shape the Forest Acres and Decker Boulevard communities.
About Serve & Connect
Serve & Connect is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering positive change through police-community partnerships. Inspired by the life and legacy of Officer Greg Alia, the organization works to build trust, strengthen communities, and create safer, more connected neighborhoods across South Carolina.
