Our Story

History

In the spring of 2004, Community of Hope Church in Columbia City, Ind., envisioned a new purpose for their former building at 201 West Market Street: transforming it into a hub for fostering happy and healthy young people. This dream, combined with a partnership with the Community Foundation of Whitley County, gave birth to The Center for Whitley County Youth. By December 2006, Community of Hope Church and The Center legally separated, allowing The Center to flourish as a broad-based community partnership.

Focused on youth development, The Center collaborates with like-minded organizations to serve the community through outreach and service. Today, The Center offers after-school, evening, and summer programs, provides facility space for other youth organizations, and partners on key initiatives. As a result, it has become a cornerstone for nurturing the next generation of leaders, families, citizens, and the workforce.

Impact

During the 2025-2026 school year, The Center reached 1,407 unique students across 13 opportunities, a 25% increase in youth reached from the previous year. More than that, each young person is gaining connection, support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow.
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That kind of impact is only possible because our community chooses to invest in young people.