Community centers
Community centers are a place to gather, play, and learn. Open to Subsidized Housing residents and neighbors from surrounding community. Find free programs for kids, classes for adults, and support for your whole family.
Overview
Community centers provide a place to gather, play, and learn. Operated by KCHA and its nonprofit partners, more than 20 community centers on-site at KCHA properties reach thousands of children every year. They provide fun, structured programs that allow youth to build social-emotional and academic skills. They also foster healthy lifestyles and leadership opportunities so that all children have a chance to reach their full potential.
These centers serve both Subsidized Housing residents and people who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. In addition to youth services, many of the facilities also offer classes and programs for parents and working adults.
Providing an environment for learning
In the past, KCHA’s youth and adult programs often operated out of small, outdated buildings, and some of the facilities were no more than converted apartments. Our newer, larger community centers prove an environment that’s better for learning. They offer features that better meet the needs of residents, such as:
- Classrooms for youth and adult programs
- Dedicated homework spaces
- Computer labs
- Private counseling areas
- Multipurpose activity areas
- Kitchens to provide after-school snacks and meals
- Outdoor play areas
All of the new buildings feature attractive design both inside and out. They represent a focal point for each neighborhood – a community hub in which residents can take pride. They are also more energy efficient and more accessible to residents with disabilities than the facilities they replaced.
Delivering customized services
Each community center offers programs tailored to meet the needs of the people they serve. These services may include:
- Early learning programs and after-school programs
- Community-building and leadership programs
- Adult education classes, including ESL
- Employment readiness and job training opportunities
- Life skills classes
- Mentoring programs
- Recreational programs
- Healthy lifestyle and parent education classes
- Family case management services
Programs like these help people develop the health, skills, and education they need to achieve their goals.