Second Ward Community Initiative

Description

In 2010, a group of Delaware citizens recognized a lack of consistent access to resources for some of their community members. Together, they formed Second Ward Community Initiative (SWCI) to address these gaps, building on the City of Delaware’s goals to promote a higher quality of life for its citizens. In 2011, SWCI received 501c (3) status and immediately began receiving support from the city and faith based organizations around the city. In August 2011, SWCI started working on development of a community center to pool resources and serve the residents of Delaware County, particularly low income or high-risk individuals in the second ward.

By 2012, SWCI successfully took possession of a city building, which is to be formed into Second Ward Community Center (SWCC) a center rooted in the neighborhood culture to serve the Delaware community as a whole. Together with community partners, the community center seeks to become a space delegated to provide safe and stimulating educational, physical, and social activities for both youth and senior citizens. Furthermore, the community center will support the health and wellness needs of community members otherwise unable to access medical resources. Recovery groups will be afforded the use of the space to support those community members struggling with substance abuse. The formation of the Second Ward Community Center fills the need for a physical space, which can be used by the many passionate and caring people in Delaware.