Westfield Community Center Association, Inc.

The mission of the Westfield Community Center is to provide services to citizens of Westfield and surrounding towns that aide in the building and maintenance of a healthy, productive and socially stable community.

Description:
The Westfield Community Center is a multi-service center, providing recreational and educational programs to all age groups, from as young as six to as old as persons in their nineties. Our highly qualified staff of dedicated people is committed to their clients and the mission of the Westfield Community Center and stand ready to serve the public.

Westfield Community Center holds firm to the belief that every individual can be a dynamic and productive member of the community. Together we benefit from our differences and provide one another with opportunities for better self-esteem, personal growth and family stability.

Our moto is: “The Fellowship of the World, Begins in One’s Neighborhood.”

History:
In 1935 the National Youth Administration,
a Federal Agency, established a program of activities for the youth of the nation. The Avalonte Club and the Mindowaskin Club of Westfield agreed to become co-sponsors in order to bring this program to the youth of Westfield.

On March 17, 1935 the Toy Lending Library
was officially opened in a store at 462 West Broad Street, as a N.Y.A. Center. In addition
to collecting, repairing and lending toys to children, a full scale recreation program was developed as well as a work employment program for the youth in the neighborhood
and vicinity. In early 1937, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, National Director of the N.Y.A. activities, paid an official visit to the Toy Lending Library to commend the state supervisor and local committee on the high standard in which the N.Y.A. program was
being carried out in Westfield.

When the National Youth Administration aid
was discontinued, a request was made to the United Campaign of the Westfield Social Agencies (today known as the Westfield
United Way) for support. A permanent organization was formed and named “The Westfield Community Center Association.”
The Center was declared eligible for this aid
in 1939.

On November 1, 1941, the association moved
to larger quarters at 558 West Broad Street.
In 1948, a building fund campaign was
started to enlarge the building. In 1955, the new building, which included a gym, was completed. In April 1985, an additional wing was completed with funds provided by Community Development. This last edition made the building handicap accessible.

With people working together, we have profited from our differences and provided one another with the channels to personal growth, family stability and self-esteem.

For over seven decades the Westfield Community Center has grown as a strong organization, having tremendous impact on the community and affecting the lives, well being and future of many.

Looking forward, the center strives to provide expanded services to the local community and reach more individuals and families that benefit from our programs.

Notable musicians who have performed at the Westfield Community Center: Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Harry James and his Swingin'Band, Glenn Miller, Woody Herman and the Young, Thundering Herd and others

Contact person: Thelma Smith, Executive Director, (email)

Office fax number: (908) 232-9038

Address:

558 West Broad Street Westfield, NJ 07090 (See a map)

Web Site: http://wccassoc.wordpress.com/

Directions:

From Garden State Parkway: Take exit 135 (Clark/Westfield). Take Central Avenue towards Westfield. At 6th light, make a left onto South Avenue (westbound). West Broad street is the trafic light past the circle off South Avenue. Make left on West. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: NJ Transit, Raritan Valley Line, Westfield Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 15   Nearest Bus Stop: NJ Transit, 59 Bus, Westfield Railroad Station , 15 minute walk

Last updated on June 25, 2009