Our goal is to revitalize a property that has been misused and create a space that can benefit our community.
In December 2018, Providence Church purchased the car wash property on W. Washington Street. Over the years the car wash became a property that attracted drug users, crime and other negative activity. However, we saw potential for this wasted space. The Westside Community Center has been given the opportunity to partner with Providence Church to revitalize this property through this exciting project.
Our goal is $495,440
to restore this property and create:
- A place to play
- A safe, healthy space to skateboard
- Expand the Community Garden
- A place for kids
- Green Space to enjoy & relax outside in
RESEARCH SHOWS
The presence of a community garden decreases food insecurity, improves health and dietary intake, and strengthens relationships within the community (Fogle, 2014).
Communities with a safe skate spot reduce criminal behavior as much as 29%, reduce damage to private properties, and provide a safe place for skateboarders (Jacobson, 2019).
Public basketball courts encourage cross cultural interactions, establish social networks, and can lead to a healthier lifestyle of exercise (Staub D, Colby SE, Olfert MD, et al.)
The Westside Community Center
Weekly programs that serve families & youth
Thousands
of dollars saved through yearly tax prep
Dozens
of skaters served at weekly Skate, Grill & Chill
88%
of students at the after school program believe their life has purpose
88%
of students at the Westside avoided drugs/alcohol
75%
of students increased academic motivation
MEET
ANDY
Students that attended Westside programs in 2021-2022
Improved Behavior
76% avoided sex
90% avoided drugs/alcohol
79% avoided skipping or dropping out of school
Improved Academics
83% increased academic motivation
89% doing better in school
79% improved reading/writing skills
Gained Leadership Experience
93% believe their life has purpose
85% want to give back to others
75% want to take on leadership roles in their community
Boosted Confidence
72% feel more confident
86% increased self-esteem
83% made more friends
Food Insecurity
8.4% of residents in Chester County are food insecure
Crime
35.5% of crimes in West Chester are committed by juveniles
Skate Parks in communities
have shown to reduce overall crime by up to 22.8%
Community Gardens
food insecurity dropped by 28.1% when families became part of a community garden
Public Parks
encourage cross cultural interactions, establish social networks, and strengthen social ties
Community Basketball Courts
can lead to a 30% decrease in crime, 10.4% decrease in juvenile arrests, 60% decrease in drug-related crime, and 50% decrease in juvenile incidents
THE PROJECT
help us
restore this property
by partnering with us financially. Together, we'll create a safer community with less crime, stronger relationships, fresh produce, and a safe place for youth.
