Shelby is a great place to call home. Throughout the years families have modeled loving their neighbor by serving them. The adults took ownership of this village by looking after the young and the old. There was a true sense of “community.” Much has changed creating greater needs today based on the following facts:

• Shelby Public Schools has 1326 students and 72% are economically disadvantaged.
• There are many single parent families and broken homes.
• There is a lack of safe activities outside of school athletics, music and clubs.
• A large population of unsupervised youth exist in and around Shelby.
• School officials have stated, “Students don’t want to leave school at the end of the day.”

Our community needs a safe alternative, to provide direction, structure, and opportunities for our youth and for every child to feel wanted, important and loved. As the youth center dream was considered, people stated the needs of the older adults in Shelby, too. So the idea grew from a youth hangout to a community center for all to enjoy.

Working Model

The Leadership has spent time with the Executive Director of “The Rock”, a successful inter-generational community center in Kingsley, Michigan. Diane Walton had a vision for her community, starting with students who were not involved with athletics. She wanted a place for them to belong. She worked tirelessly from ground zero in turning an old fire station into a community center. It is such a wonderful asset to Kingsley.