About The Center
Our History
Key Moments Since 2004
The Center began in 2004, when Community of Hope Church offered its former building at 201 West Market Street in Columbia City as a place for young people. These are some of the moments that have shaped The Center since then.
2004
May 2004
A Building Offered Rent-Free
Community of Hope Church moved out of its building at 201 West Market Street and offered it rent-free for a new youth center.
December 2004
A Grant to Launch the Center
The Community Foundation of Whitley County gave a $45,000 grant to launch the youth center.
2005
January 2005
First Staff Member Hired
Jeff Wike was hired as Executive Director, The Center’s first staff member.
Meet the Team
March 2005
After-School Central Begins
After-School Central launched in Columbia City.
See After-School Central2007
2008
April 2008
First Benefit Cook-Off
The first annual Benefit Cook-Off raised $27,150.
See the Benefit Cook-Off2011
December 2011
The Center Buys Its Building
The Center purchased the 201 West Market Street building from Community of Hope Church at a mission-minded price of $45,000.
2012
February 2012
Building Hope Campaign
The Building Hope Capital Campaign raised $225,000 to purchase and renovate the building.
2014
March 2014
Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship
The Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund began in honor of a former board member. The first scholarship was given in 2017.
See the Scholarship2018
July 2018
A Data-Driven Approach
The Center formed its first data team to measure impact, the beginning of a data-driven approach.
October 2018
After-School Central Comes to Whitko
After-School Central opened its Whitko site.
See After-School Central Whitko2019
July 2019
Life Coaching Begins
The Center began one-on-one life coaching with students in local schools.
See Our Programs2021
October 2021
Ground Zero Launches
Ground Zero launched to connect with and serve high school students in Columbia City, later expanding to Whitko.
See Ground Zero2022
September 2022
LifeWise Academy Partnership
The Center began working with LifeWise Academy, starting with Northern Heights Elementary students and later expanding to more schools.
See Our Programs2025
January 2025
Thrive Challenge Pilot
The first Thrive Challenge pilot began with 10 high school seniors.
See the Thrive Challenge
2024–25 School Year
More Than 1,000 Students
For the first time, The Center served more than 1,000 students in one school year.
See Our Impact2026
October 2026
First Building in Whitko
The Center bought a building for its Whitko programs, which had been in rented space.
Support The Center
Support from people across Whitley County has made each of these moments possible.