My greatest hope would be that the true essence of diversity will flourish and that the Center will play a strong role in bringing divergent groups together in creating a synergy like no other - so that all, no matter their socio-economic level, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity can play a role in the betterment of community that will positively impact and lead to not only a vibrant, safe and stabilized community, but also a stronger downtown Cincinnati.

By the year 2015, I would like to see Emanuel Community Center’s name mentioned in the same breath as that of Music Hall and Memorial Hall and seen as the core hub of community engagement, offering a variety of workshops and unique presentations, it will be a place that encourages education, shared learning experiences and diversity; a place where you can conduct business and have a cup of cappuccino; a place where you can listen to a nice jazz set on a warm spring or summer evening; a place that I can bring my child, while I go listen to the embracing sounds of the symphony or “Rigoletto” sung in the original Italian version; a place where after a day of playing chess in Washington Park - I look over and see the wrought iron tables and chairs under the red and white umbrellas - where I can get a glass of lemonade and just chill. A place where I can meet my neighbors to discuss ideas for the next event in the park, as well as other community issues; a place where young professionals can connect on specific opportunities focused on or around the Over-the-Rhine community, which is an artery of our great city. 

Emanuel Community Center recognizes this missing piece, and is interested in bringing together young adults from all walks of life to our historic center and neighborhood.  Come visit us and become a part of helping us advance our mission, our community, our city and our region.

This is Emanuel.  This is our Legacy. 

Growing up in Toledo, Ohio my family and I seemed to live at the Frederick Douglas Community Center.  Yep, I said my family too!  You see, the community center was not just for kids -  it was about the total community - young, old, rich and poor.  I cannot begin to tell you the number of Polish middle class women my mother took cooking and sewing classes with!  And, no - my family was pretty poor - except, growing up - I just didn’t know it.  But there was something powerful that came out of those relationships that transcended socio-economic status.  I remember Mrs. Selkie, a cashier, who worked for Kroger’s, and lived 3 blocks from us, got to know me and my family on a first name basis - only because her and my mom took a cooking class at Frederick Douglas Community Center that created a relationship of lifetime and set the tone for our community.

This work that is based on the mission of Emanuel - not only honors the past of Emanuel, but celebrates the future of a new era which eerily coincides to that of a community center ahead of its time in the 60’s based in Toledo, Ohio.

Emanuel’s challenge is to connect current long time residents and new arrivals; all divergent populations with different perceptions, needs and cultural backgrounds. These perceptions, left unchecked, can contribute to an economic, cultural and racial divide which will derail all hopes for a vibrantly diverse community.  “Vibrantly Diverse” is defined as a celebration of differences and commonalities.  Emanuel is a true community center that is poised as a meeting place used by members of a community for social, cultural, or recreational purposes.  Emanuel Community Center is a civic organization; as such it is in a unique position to engage a diverse community in discovering its full potential through creative common goal initiatives that allow all residents to become stakeholders and partners in their community.

Founded in 1871, by Reverend William Nast - yes, he was the grandfather of Conde Nast of Conde Nast Publications fame - pastor of Nast Trinity United Methodist Church, Emanuel’s work has always been about the community.  Emanuel’s beginnings are cradle in the roots of German culture - from starting out as a settlement house to housing the oldest continuously state licensed child care in the State of Ohio.

In 1923, Emanuel laid the cornerstone and moved into it’s newly built and current structure (designed by Sam Hannaford and Sons) located at 1308 Race Street, which spans a city block and includes a gymnasium for recreation activities. At one point, Emanuel’s upper floors were used as the Martha Washington Home for business women that continued up through the late 60’s.

Emanuel has been known throughout the years for its variety of youth athletic programs. Ezzard Charles, the World Champion heavy weight boxer for whom a Cincinnati street is named, trained at Emanuel, as did another boxing champion, Aaron Pryor.

Community change and embracing change is no stranger to Emanuel Community Center.  Its very foundation for over 100 years has been built on responding to changes taking place in the community and creating a powerful synergy of connection.

Today, Emanuel is a true “center for the community” and is poised to leverage a diverse and expanding population - connect as neighbors.  Based on the social capital work of Dr. Robert Putnam, Harvard professor, our mission is: Emanuel Community Center is a resource for a cohesive community that provides education and shared neighborhood experiences that connect all residents of Over-the-Rhine.

In addition to the child development and athletic programs for youth, our newer programming includes an Oprah Book Club, Jazzercise, enrichment programming covering a variety of workshops as well as arts and cultural programming.