The Eastside Community Center Story begins...

On December 19, 1978, after a long effort, a determined group of East Columbus residents led by Roby and America Anderson finally realized a dream. For several years, the Anderson's garage and home served as a place for their neighbors to gather for recreation, for the hungry to find a warm meal in a friendly environment, and for those less fortunate to find encouragement and help.

The Andersons and their supporters formed the "Morningside Neighborhood Association," but what they needed was a facility to better serve the community. The opportunity came in 1978 when then-Mayor Max Andress and the City of Columbus offered their help. The facility was constructed of brick from a building that had been demolished to make way for the new City Hall, and every brick had to be hand-cleaned by volunteers. Eastside Community Center became a reality.

Soon, the Center was active in many areas. Roby and America were always known for taking the underprivileged into their care, providing food and other necessities as best they could. From the beginning the Center has also provided recreational and educational activities for families, youths, and seniors. Eastside has also served to provide what former Indiana First Lady Judy O'Bannon calls "a gathering place" - so essential to the establishment of "community." The needs of the people of this community haven't changed all that much and neither has the commitment of Eastside Community Center to address those needs.

Our Guiding Values

• Every community needs a place for members to gather for a common purpose.

• The well-being of any community requires members to become involved and to participate in the educational, social, recreational, economic, and financial issues affecting their lives.

• Every individual is deserving of respect and dignity, especially during those times when they are most vulnerable and in need of assistance and comfort.