Paul Lawrence introduced Edwin Sargent with the Western Avenue Community Center. Edwin is a graduate from ISU, and has worked at the Baby Fold and Project Oz. Edwin has been the Executive Director of Western Ave. Community Center for a little over a year.
The Western Ave. Community Center has existed for 98 years here in Bloomington-Normal. The Center has programs and services that support children and adults alike. They provide afterschool and sports programs for students, as well as mentoring programs. They help students with academic support and create a well-rounded education opportunity.
Western Avenue's community outreach program helps everyone in the community with various services, including helping immigrants with the legal system, language support, and more. In partnership with the United Way, Tinervin Family Foundation, and others, the Center has a food pantry to support the entire community, not just the homeless. The food pantry helps some college students, immigrants, and families that need that assistance.
The Center also provides opportunities for seniors, including trips, special activities, bingo, "senior" prom, and more fellowship opportunities.
