In the heart of North Littleton, the East Community Center has quickly become a vibrant hub of activity, support, and growth for the community since opening in the fall of 2023. This innovative center represents a dynamic partnership between Littleton Public Schools, the City of Littleton, and a diverse array of community non-profits. Together, these partnering organizations have transformed the former East Elementary School building into a vital resource for families and individuals across the area.

Vision and Mission: A Reflection of Community Strength

At the core of the East Community Center is a mission to reflect and build upon the strengths of North Littleton's families and community. The center is dedicated to supporting local opportunities for development and enrichment, providing a welcoming space for all community members to come together, learn, and thrive.

A Hub of Diverse Services and Programs

The East Community Center offers an impressive range of facilities and services designed to meet the varied needs of the community. From youth leadership initiatives and mental health support to food markets and to-go meals, the center is a one-stop shop for community development and personal enrichment. Programs are carefully crafted to serve adults, children, and families, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need. The majority of these services are available free of charge or at a reduced cost, making them accessible to all who need them.

Partnerships That Empower and Support

The success of the East Community Center is largely due to its strong partnerships with local organizations. Each partner brings unique offerings to the table:

• North Littleton Promise supports migrant families through connection, education, and leadership.
• All-Health Network provides mental health support to LPS staff members.
• Rooted 303 provides essential support to the recovery of substance misuse through individual coaching and/or group workshops.
• The Optimist Club and Littleton Police Department engage in community service and enrichment activities.
• Littleton Community Music Association offers guitar lessons for intermediate and advanced young musicians.
• Sweet Dream in a Bag and St. Andrew Market address basic needs by providing bedding for children and a free, non-perishable food market, respectively.
• Parkinson’s Pointe, Arapahoe/Douglas Works, Break Bread, and Third-Eye Yoga offer wellness, career support, free meals, community connection, and holistic health programs.

Engagement, Feedback, and Future Plans

Community engagement is at the heart of the center's operations. The community is encouraged to provide feedback and get involved, with opportunities to volunteer with various programs. The center looks forward to hosting more community events, such as the upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on April 18 and Community Resource Fair in the fall of 2024, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Looking ahead, the East Community Center aims to expand its role as a comprehensive resource hub, introducing new programs and educational workshops. The goal is to facilitate community meetings and gatherings, further strengthening the ties that bind the North Littleton community together.

A Call to Action

The East Community Center is more than just a facility; it's a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together in support of one another. As we look to the future, we invite local businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in this exciting journey. Whether through volunteering, participating in programs, or simply spreading the word, your support is invaluable.

Together, we can continue to make the East Community Center a place where every member of our community can find support, opportunity, and hope.

Contact and Follow Information

For further information, please contact the East Community Center Executive Director, Jose Cardenas at jcardenas[at]lps.k12.co[dot]us. Be sure to visit the East Community Center website and follow the East Community Center Facebook page for current updates!