Our Mission is to enhance the physical and mental well-being of those we serve by providing recreational, educational and volunteer opportunities.
Our Values
The Southside Center is committed to creating and maintaining a community that respects and values diverse life experiences.
Everyone deserves respect and acceptance without bias. We engage the perspectives and voices of our community and ensure they are reflected in our cultures.
To foster inclusive community participation by providing an environmentally sound facility for arts, education, recreation, celebration and locally based human services in order to increase opportunity for personal and collective growth in our community.
Mission Goals
Cultural service ~ Promote community enrichment through intercultural events, music, theater, dance, literary, media and visual arts.
Partnership ~ Work with local non profits, organizations and schools to provide opportunities for fundraising, community building, community service and education.
Foster Community ~ Through hosting holiday meals, town meetings, family gatherings, individual recognitions and memorials.
Sustainability ~ Use our mission statement and goals to achieve our financial needs and future aims. Provide care, restoration and improvement of the facility. Support staff development, increase volunteer engagement and energize board participation.
We have a non discrimination and harassment policy. We want to ensure that members and guests are welcome at the Center regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
History
The Southside Senior and Community Center has been in existence in Spokane since August 1985. We began at 33rd and Perry streets as a partnership between the Center and Interplayers Theatre group. In 1988, the Center moved to the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center. In 1966 under the leadership of Donn Thompson, a feasibility study was funded by the Spokane Parks Department to build a facility dedicated to Seniors and the Community. After a committee band of volunteers raised money through foundations, businesses, organizations and individuals the construction of our current facility began in July 2001 and was occupied on January 1, 2002. Since this time we have served the community and neighborhood by offering a place for social activities, community events, educational seminars, travel and rental opportunities of our grand ballroom, meeting hall and commercial kitchen.
