If you've been by the Southside Community Center lately, you'll be familiar with the powerful energy of change and growth taking place every day. We're so excited to share this energy with more people and fill in those who haven't felt it yet and invite you to help us make it grow.
The Southside Community Center (SSCC) has enjoyed a great and storied history since it emerged through the dedicated work of the Francis Harper Women’s Club in 1927, formed by a group of Black women in the Ithaca community. Founded as a non-sectarian and non-partisan organization, its mission was the “uplift” of every individual. Since its incorporation in 1934, the SSCC, Inc. continues to affirm, empower, and foster the development of self pride among the diverse citizens of greater Ithaca.
Leading this process is our new Executive Director Leon Lawrence.
As Mr. Lawrence shared with the Ithaca Journal this year, “Historically, the two co-founders wanted this to be a community center that uplifts people in the neighborhood. That’s the foundation. Neighborhoods change, but the legacy is something we still want to honor.” Mr. Lawrence, and Southside Assistant Director Thia Harriet, are bringing strong leadership, an unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, and a deep commitment to community-building and growing programs and creating new ones that meet the specific needs of our community.
If you know Southside you know Charles Rhody. You can find Rhody on any given day, collecting food for the food pantry, gathering donations of diapers and other vital items for families in our community, or helping a young child develop responsibility and a sense of community engagement.
The Southside staff is rounded out by Youth Program Director, Harmony Malone, David Brown, coordinator of the Unity Studio, Mustafa Ali, Director of the RIBS program, Nydia Blas, Visual Media Arts Director, our Maintenance Man, Ken Van Etten, and Receptionist Fern Morgan who welcomes visitors to Southside with warmth and kindness.
The Southside Community Center board is also on the rise. Led by Nia Nunn Makepeace as Chairperson, Richard Onyejuruwa as Vice Chair, Vannessa DeJesus as Treasurer, and Sarah Chalmers Simmons as Secretary, the revitalized board is working diligently to ensure the Center is on mission and on budget. Also serving on the board are Alkay Waller, Jamila Walida Simon, Matt Van Houten, Raquel Mercado, and Sonya Hicks.
Why should you support Southside with your donation?
Southside Community Center celebrates the rich African American heritage and culture significant to Tompkins County in many ways. We celebrate Juneteenth and Kwanzaa and partnerships with community organizations such as Congo Square Market, which takes place every Friday through the summer.
Our programming and community partnerships are anchored by ongoing programs: the After School Program serves youth ages 5-12; the community bicycle maintenance and repair shop, Recycle Ithaca’s Bicycles; a community recording studio, Unity Studio; the Health and Recreation program includes an active food pantry; and computer education and digital arts classes offered by the computer lab. The SSCC’s many programs offer activities for young people that foster their psychological and emotional development, promoting self-reliance and social responsibility under the guidance of caring and supportive mentors.
Southside Community Center’s (SSCC) programs fill the invaluable role of providing essential services—such as a safe and supervised environment, academically enriching activities, healthy snacks, and caring and supportive mentors—to young people most in need of support.
Our center is located in a community that is experiencing higher levels of poverty and food insecurity, where young people face disparities in access to extracurricular activities. As part of our mission to serve the people of Ithaca, we strive not only to keep young people safe but to support their academic, social, and emotional growth, working to distribute opportunities for extracurricular growth more equitably.Your gift today will help ensure that young people our community are provided with high quality programming and services they won't get anywhere else.
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