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Help Us Raise $10,000 in March!
Thank you so much for your continued support of Western Avenue Community Center! Because of generous friends like you, we are able to provide meaningful programs and resources that strengthen families and build a brighter future for our community. As we look ahead, we have set an important goal of raising $10,000, and we invite you to help us reach our goal.
Our History

Since 1926

Western Avenue Community Center

Western Avenue Community Center (WACC) opened in 1926 when Reverend Frank Breen and a group of community leaders held a campaign to raise $35,000 for the building of an inter-denominational church and community center. The church and center became a neighborhood meeting place for social, religious, educational, and recreational activities for all age groups.

 

The Western Avenue Community Church disbanded as a church in 1969, but continued as a social service organization and community center, working with people of all ages and reaching out into the neighborhood.

 

Western Avenue Community Center Outdoor SignCurrent

A fire in 1982 destroyed the church building, but leaders decided to rebuild on the same site. This building and property serve as the center of community programs today with offices, a community room, after-school space, and a gymnasium.

 

The building was owned by Second Presbyterian Church for 95 years, and in 2022, the  property was deeded directly over to Western Avenue. Second Presbyterian continues to provide financial and spiritual support for the center's operation with valued community donor support.

 

 

Today WACC serves more than 2,000 families per year in the community and has many "friends of the center" who grew up at attending programs and using services. We currently have programs for youth, seniors, interpretation and translation services, and a food program.