Goal to build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for Whitely Neighborhood
By Ken Hudson—
MUNCIE, IN—For nearly 60 years, the Whitely Community Council has served the Whitely neighborhood and the east side of Muncie, giving neighbors a voice and making the neighborhood a vibrant place to live, work, and learn. A historically African American neighborhood in Muncie, Indiana, Whitely Community Council serves over 2,900 residents.
In response to the community’s growing need for better access to educational opportunities, food, and health care, Whitely Community Council purchased the property at 1208 E. Centennial Ave in 2018 to serve as the future home of the Centennial Resource Hub. This crucial first step laid the foundation for a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for Whitely Neighborhood residents and the greater Muncie community.
A capital campaign was launched to raise donations to renovate the building and improve the site, transforming the empty and neglected building into a Centennial Resource Hub, which will provide essential services, including:
- Educational Support: Access to out-of-school programs, tutoring, and community learning initiatives. Additional adult education opportunities will be provided.
- Health Resources: On-site health screenings, wellness programs, and partnerships with multiple health service organizations, in addition to a brand-new walk-in clinic run by Open Door Health Service.
- Social and Economic Assistance: Job readiness workshops, financial literacy courses, and access to vital social services, including small business and homeownership programs.
Since the campaign launched, the Whitely Community Council has raised $3.6 million.
Farmers Market Illustration provided.
The Whitely Community Council needs the community’s help to ensure the project’s success.
Executive Director Ken Hudson referenced the campaign and project’s impact: “The Whitely Neighborhood Association envisions the Centennial Resource Hub as a dynamic, multi-use facility that will serve as a cornerstone for health, economic opportunity, education, and community engagement in Muncie.” He continued, ” The Centennial Resource Hub will serve as a gateway to opportunity for Whitely residents and beyond. The revitalized buildings and surrounding grounds will symbolize pride and progress for our community.”
Philanthropic support is necessary to realize the vision of the Council’s commitment to equity, opportunity, and the well-being of the Whitely community and beyond. With the support of donors, community partners, and dedicated residents, the Centennial Resource Hub will serve as a lifeline for families, a launchpad for businesses, and a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.
“We pride ourselves in saying we are an education-first community, so giving people knowledge gives them power. … I’m expecting to see more college graduates and people getting certifications, not just young people but adults furthering their education. An investment here will get you a return that will benefit the entire community, ” said Frank Scott, board chair of Whitely Community Council.
Earlier this year, the Whitely Community Council received approval to launch a $50,000 matching crowdfunding campaign through the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority’s Placemaking Indiana program. The only active Placemaking Indiana project in Delaware County, the crowdfunding effort will build and equip a kitchen and pantry to address food insecurity. IHCDA will match $50,000 if the donations are raised by April 20th.
“Thanks to the generous support of our lead campaign donors and the generosity of the community, we are well on our way to realizing our vision for Whitely,” Andrew Dale, Whitely Community Council board member and capital campaign chair.
Lead campaign donors include:
- George and Frances Ball Foundation
- Ball Brothers Foundation
- City of Muncie
- Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County
- Heart of Indiana United Way
- IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital CII Fund
- Northwest Bank
- Old National Bank Foundation
- Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority
Dale continued, “As a board member, I fully support the Whitely Community Council’s capital campaign because it will expand vital resources for the neighborhood and the east side of Muncie. This investment will enhance access to quality education, healthcare, and nutritious food—key building blocks for a stronger, healthier community.”
WaTasha Barnes-Griffin, CEO of YWCA Central Indiana and Whitely Community Council board member, said, “The Whitely community is rich. We are rich in history and legacy. There are so many people from this community who have made a difference in Muncie as a whole.”
The Whitely Community Council exists to engage, empower, and represent the residents of the Whitely Community through educational, health and wellness, resource connection and community enhancement programming, thereby improving quality of life in the Whitely community.
To learn more about the capital campaign, visit https://whitelycc.org/the-centennial-campaign/.
For more information, contact Whitely Community Council Executive Director Ken Hudson at whitelycc@gmail.com or Kenyonta.kh@gmail.com.
