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West Central Community Center outlines programs, funding losses and summer operations
Summary
West Central Community Center described long-running programs, a range of youth and supportive services, loss of CDBG funding and fundraising strategies to sustain summer camp and services to people with developmental disabilities.
Kim Ferrero and Shelby Duvall, presenters for West Central Community Center (a 501(c)(3)), briefed the committee on the center's history, programs and recent changes in funding.
Ferrero said the center — established as a nonprofit in 1980 — hosts a range of long‑standing services including a youth development program, supportive services for adults with developmental disabilities, Head Start, libraries and after‑school programs. The center serves primary neighborhoods including Audubon/Downriver, West Central and Emerson‑Garfield and operates four WIC sites under a state contract, Ferrero said.
She told the committee the youth program serves 70–80 daily before‑and‑after‑school children and 80–90 children in a full‑day summer day camp; programs include homework help, sports and field trips. Ferrero also described a learning‑skills center and community‑access programming for adults with developmental disabilities and noted the center operates vehicle fleet and facility rentals to generate revenue.
Ferrero highlighted funding challenges: the center lost Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) support for operations and youth development in the last two years, reducing about $125,000 in support. She said the center uses private donations, program fees, state daycare subsidies, scholarships and fundraising to cover shortfalls and that no child is turned away for inability to pay.
On facilities and partnerships, Ferrero described a prior $3 million neighborhood fundraising effort completed in 2006 to expand the center and subsequent capital improvements funded by the city and donors, including a wheelchair ramp, skylight repairs, a five‑bay garage to reduce vandalism, and courtyard improvements. She said the center partners with Head Start, Spokane Public Library (including the city's first 24/7 library kiosk), police, scouting groups and others.
Ending
Ferrero invited committee members to upcoming center events including a May 13 drive‑through First Responders luncheon and annual family events. She thanked city staff and board members and answered member questions about park partnerships and program funding.
