Our Story

Discover The Center’s History, Mission, Impact, and Team

History

In the spring of 2004, Community of Hope Church in Columbia City, Ind., envisioned a new purpose for their former building at 201 West Market Street: transforming it into a hub for fostering happy and healthy young people. This dream, combined with a partnership with the Community Foundation of Whitley County, gave birth to The Center for Whitley County Youth.

By December 2006, Community of Hope Church and The Center legally separated, allowing The Center to flourish as a broad-based community partnership. Focused on youth development, The Center collaborates with like-minded organizations to serve the community through outreach and service.

Today, The Center offers after-school, weekend, and summer programs, provides facility space for other youth organizations, and partners on key initiatives. As a result, it has become a cornerstone for nurturing the next generation of leaders, families, citizens, and the workforce.

Mission & Vision

At The Center, our mission is to promote youth development through service, outreach, and collaboration. Our vision is to see local young people have barrier-free access to mentors, character education, and opportunities that help them reach their full potential. We are committed to fostering the next generation of leaders in Northeast Indiana, ensuring every youth has the support and resources they need to succeed.

Impact

During the 2023-2024 school year, The Center served 1432 student enrollments* through 15 diverse program opportunities. This impact is all thanks to the financial and volunteer partnerships of local community members. Click below to view our most recent impact report.

*Enrollment counts 1 Student in 1 Program. 1 Student in 3 Programs = 3.

1432

Total Student Enrollments

15

Diverse Programs

1772

Mentoring Hours outside of programming

100%

Of surveyed students agree they are valued as a young person at The Center

23-24 Student Engagement Report

Financials

At The Center, we believe in full transparency and providing our generous supporters the knowledge they need to make informed giving decisions. Click to view our most recent Form 990 report.

2023 Form 990

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Awards

The Center is honored to have received several prestigious awards recognizing our commitment to transparency, quality, and impact. We hold the 2024 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for our openness and accountability.

Additionally, we were awarded the 2024 Quality Leader Award from the Indiana Afterschool Network, acknowledging our excellence in afterschool programming.

We also earned a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator in 2023, reflecting our strong financial health and commitment to best practices. Click on the awards below to learn more about these recognitions.

Board of Directors

We proudly introduce the dedicated individuals who form our Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Their governance and financial expertise guide us toward a sustainable future, ensuring we can fulfill our mission and serve our community effectively.

Rex Schrader – Board President
Jim Sittler – Board Vice President
Kyle Bauer – Board Treasurer
Roberta Hollenbaugh – Board Secretary
Michelle Lee – Director
Skiler Lehman – Director
Stan Reiff – Director
TJ Himes – Director

Meet the Team

Meet the dedicated team at The Center, committed to empowering youth and fostering community growth. Our passionate staff works tirelessly to support our mission and vision. Click on each team member’s image to learn more about them and send an email directly. We look forward to connecting with you!