East Community Center '25: Growing Strong Year 3

As East Community Center kicked off the start of its third year, there’s much to celebrate — and even more to look forward to. What began as an empty facility just a few years ago has grown into a thriving hub of collaboration, support, and opportunity for the entire community.

Since opening its doors, East has become home to 21 partner organizations, all working under one roof to make essential services more accessible. Together, they provide food assistance, youth programs, volunteer opportunities, and mental health support — all in one welcoming and connected space.

The center’s impact over the past year reflects its mission of creating a shared space where everyone can grow and thrive.

• Over 40,000 community visits were recorded last year alone, showing how vital the center has become as a neighborhood anchor.

• More than 11,800 visits were for food access, ensuring families had consistent access to healthy, reliable resources.

• Youth programming reached over 6,100 participants, giving young people a safe and engaging place to learn, create, and lead.

• Nearly 2,100 volunteers gave their time and energy to make events, programs, and partnerships possible.

• The center added four new partner organizations and hosted over 100 community events, bringing together residents, local agencies, and even student-led groups from the school district for collaborative service projects and creative initiatives.

This steady growth is a reflection of both community need and community strength. As partnerships expand, so does the sense of connection that defines the East Community Center experience.

The model at East is simple but powerful: when organizations share space and work together, they can reach more people, reduce duplication, and deliver services more effectively. The result is a network of programs that not only meet basic needs but also build pathways for education, wellness, and empowerment.

From food pantries and youth enrichment to counseling and cultural events, each partner plays a role in the center’s mission of meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.