Campaign progress moves the $4.75 million vision closer to building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for Whitely Neighborhood
By Whitely Community Council Leadership and the Board of Directors—
MUNCIE, IN—For 60 years, the Whitely Community Council has served the Whitely neighborhood and the east side of Muncie, giving neighbors a voice and helping make the neighborhood a vibrant place to live, work, and learn. With significant progress on its $4.75 million capital campaign, the Council will celebrate the next major step toward the Centennial Resource Hub with a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase I on August 22^nd^ at 11:00am at 1208 E. Centennial Ave.
The groundbreaking marks a milestone in the Council’s effort to transform the property, purchased in 2018, into the Centennial Resource Hub. A historically African American neighborhood in Muncie, Indiana, Whitely is home to nearly 3,000 residents, and the future Hub is designed to expand access to educational opportunities, food, health care, and community resources for Whitely residents and the greater Muncie community.
Through the capital campaign, Whitely Community Council is raising donations to renovate the building and improve the site, transforming the empty and neglected building into the 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 IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, 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.
Farmers Market Illustration provided.
Since the campaign launched, Whitely Community Council has raised $4 million toward its combined $4.75 million goal, completing phase I and making the August 22 groundbreaking possible.
The Whitely Community Council invites neighbors, donors, partners, and community leaders to join the groundbreaking celebration, which will feature remarks from Whitely Board Members and Donors, and help complete the campaign.
“This groundbreaking is more than the start of construction; it is the result of years of listening, planning, and working alongside neighbors who know what Whitely needs to thrive,” said Ken Hudson, executive director of Whitely Community Council. “The Centennial Resource Hub will bring together trusted partners and practical resources in one place, making it easier for families to access support and opportunity close to home. Fundraising toward Phase II is well underway, and this groundbreaking will give us valuable momentum toward funding our full vision.”
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.
“The Centennial Resource Hub represents the kind of long-term investment that strengthens a neighborhood for generations,” said Frank Scott, board chair of Whitely Community Council. “When we create space for learning, wellness, connection, and economic opportunity, we are investing in people. This investment benefits all of Muncie.”
Phase I includes key components of the Hub, including a kitchen and pantry to address food insecurity, health and wellness resources, education spaces, and areas for entrepreneurship, community gathering, and neighborhood revitalization.
“The campaign’s progress reflects the confidence donors and partners have in Whitely’s vision and in the leadership of the people who call this neighborhood home,” said Andrew Dale, Whitely Community Council board member and capital campaign chair. “As we break ground, we are also asking the community to help carry this project across the finish line so the Hub can open its doors with the resources residents deserve.”
Lead campaign donors include:
• Heart of Indiana United Way
• IU Health Foundation
• City of Muncie
• George and Frances Ball Foundation
• Ball Brothers Foundation
• Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County
• Patricia Schaefer Foundation Trust
• CenterPoint Energy Foundation
• First Merchant Bank Foundation
• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority
• Northwest Bank
• Old National Bank Foundation
• Local churches, businesses, organizations, and residents
Andrew Dale added, “Every gift to this campaign helps turn a once-vacant property into a place of service, connection, and possibility. The Hub will give residents and partners a shared home base for the programs and relationships that make Whitely stronger.”
About the Whitely Community Council 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 Kenyonta.kh@gmail.com.
