Amanda August, Executive Director of Jefferson Street Center discussed the new community hub.  She spoke of its history, beginning as a daycare center in the mid-‘80s.  The board continued after its closing, looking to create cooperation between the neighborhood residents, associations and businesses.  Today Jefferson Street Center is a physical manifestation of that mission, working with its host, Hanover Presbyterian Church, it looks to help local organizations, small businesses and youth as a type of incubator, bringing them together to solve the community’s issues.  Working from a Blueprint Community needs and concerns study, they hope to work on issues such as after-school engagement, safe housing and crime.   She discussed the success of Open Streets, closing streets to vehicles and creating a community fair and open house for local groups and businesses.  Their hope is that the building will offer opportunities for idea sharing and cooperation, a safe place for after-school activities, fostering community engagement and social justice.   She points to their successful incubator pilot program, working with local small non-profit busineses who used the space for employee training and development, growing their business and offering emplyment opportunities for young locals, both their mission goals.

Learn more at Jeffersonstreetcenter.org  on social media #jscinwilmde