King Kennedy Community Center
King Kennedy Community Center (KKCC) exists to uplift the residents of McElrath Park and the surrounding area. KKCC provides a variety of experiences and opportunities designed to enrich the lives of our community members.
The King Kennedy Community Center was built in 1978. At the time, the neighborhood of McElrath Park, where the center is located, was ranked one of the nation’s most underprivileged rural communities. Inspired by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, a group of like-minded community members, including the McElrath Improvement Corporation (MIC), volunteers from the surrounding area, and students from Kent State University (KSU), banded together to create the King Kennedy Community Center and form a place in the community where local residents could learn and grow.
Today, King Kennedy continues to flourish. The center offers after-school tutoring, summer education programs, food assistance for youth and seniors, holiday programming, and a multitude of volunteer opportunities. In 2002, KKCC merged with Family & Community Services, Inc., helping to expand resources for KKCC. And in 2020, King Kennedy broke ground on a new gymnasium and multi-use facility that will increase programming and services to local youth.
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WHO WE SERVE
The King Kennedy Community Center serves all ages, with a special focus on youth and seniors. Most of these children are at-risk and come from low-income households with limited means of support. KKCC provides a safe place for youth to hang out and participate in social and educational activities. The center offers after-school tutoring, summer education programs, food assistance, and a space to host events and temporary services.
After School Programming
King Kennedy Community Center offers after-school programming that is open to youth of all ages in Portage County. Services include daily homework support, studying for tests, assistance with make-up work, and individual sessions as needed. Our program works closely with Ravenna City Schools to communicate each student’s needs, and helps to complete requested activities provided by teachers. After-school aids are comprised of community volunteers and partners, including retired teachers, Kent State students, and Foster Grandparent volunteers. Services are available on alternating days at both King Kennedy Community Center and Skeels-Mathews Community Center, Monday through Thursday, from 4-6pm. Our goal for the After School Program is to provide educational enrichment to youth that builds social and emotional skills, increases confidence, and helps youth achieve academic success.
CURRENT NEEDS
King Kennedy Community Center relies mainly on community support. We are always in need of the following donations:
- School supplies
- Toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.
Make An Impact
“Nothing will ever compare to a child telling me I’m the reason they’re making it through school. None of this would be possible without the King Kennedy Community Center. The center provides a safe community, empowers children to succeed in their education and transforms lives. I know it did for mine.”
-Jenna L, KKCC Volunteer