About the community center
Our mission is to provide effective programs and services used to empower families and individuals to achieve sustained self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.
DIRECTOR’S WELCOME
Welcome to our community.
The development of the River City Community Center began with an aptly named initiative called Community First. That initiative inspired our focus on strong families, educational enrichment, mental and physical wellness, engaged community service, and leadership cultivation. We are committed to seeing people from all walks of life take steps toward enriching their lives for the purpose of developing a vibrant, safe, and strong community.
In June 2019, we opened the doors of our 45,000-square-foot facility that houses multi-function rooms for workshops, meetings, and trainings, an auditorium and banquet center, a commercial kitchen, and an indoor play space connected to STEAM Academy, an innovative high-quality preschool that embeds Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math for children aged 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten.
In this incredible facility, we hope to encourage residents from across Greater Lafayette to pursue and experience life transformation. The result will be stronger families, enhanced quality of life, and increased professional and academic success.
This facility and the programs that it houses is a reflection of the dedication we have to serve people with compassion and understanding as it was demonstrated to us through the life of Jesus Christ. It’s my desire that as time passes, the community center will have become an example of the unity that exists in the body of Christ when a community collectively rejoices, hurts, learns, serves, and loves each other taking ownership of its continued enrichment.
We look forward to creating programming that benefits community members of all ages, needs, and walks of life — from blended families navigating the complexities of life to kids looking for some help on math homework to retirees looking to fellowship with friends.
As we embark on this journey, we’d love for you to get involved. We welcome any and all input, especially your thoughts on the type of services and programs that will create opportunities and enhance the lives of Greater Lafayette residents. If you are part of a community organization, we’d love to hear from you too. We are always looking to partner with organizations dedicated to uplifting others.
Ed Garcia
Director, River City Community Center

Serve
Demonstrating a caring and compassionate heart toward those we serve and serve with is a constant and intentional part of our culture.

Partner
Engage in innovative partnerships that promote community growth and involvement.

Respect
Value the dignity and worth of every person, treat all with compassion and respect, and honor the lives, concerns, and stories of everyone.

Educate
Equip individuals to be productive members of our community and provide the knowledge, resources, and encouragement to those who are looking to improve their quality of life.

Empower
Provide programs and services that build upon people’s assets and promote self-sufficiency.
VOLUNTEER AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
Many hands make light work.
We believe our work is empowering for those we serve, but also for community members who want to be of service.
We’re always looking for ways to uplift our community, whether it’s through our many programs, hosting events, or collecting and distributing donations. No matter your time or talents, we have a program that can benefit from your help.