Golden Gate Community Center has been a trusted
health, wellness, and social support resource for children, adults, and seniors
for more than 75 years. Without Golden Gate, thousands of individuals and
families would not have affordable access to recreation and personal development
activities, educational classes, or preventive health services. AzCA acquired
Golden Gate Community Center in 2004 because their Board and leadership strongly
believe in the value and impact of the services provided by Golden Gate and
understood that these programs were vital to the community. Since that time,
Arizona’s Children Association has assisted them in growing their core services
while also providing the critical fundraising support they needed to maintain
services.
The key factor in the AzCA Board decision to
transition Golden Gate Community Center was rooted in Wesley’s ability to
enhance and expand programs for the local community. Wesley has extensive
experience specific to the business of leading a community center and has
community service work at its core which will allow for improved support of
Golden Gate staff and programs. The Board and leadership of AzCA and Wesley
believe this move will result in growth and sustainability for Golden Gate so
that the Center may continue its leadership role in the community. Wesley has
successfully run a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) since 2009 and
anticipates that they will be able to expand and bring healthcare to the Golden
Gate community.
“We now have a great new opportunity through Wesley
that will provide further growth and expansion of Golden Gate programs – beyond
AzCA’s current abilities,” said Denise Ensdorff, president and CEO of Arizona’s
Children Association.
As a part of the Arizona’s Children Association’s
original commitment to Golden Gate in 2004, the AzCA Board of Directors have
decided to pay off the remaining mortgage of the Center – allowing for the best
possible start for the success of the Center. In addition, current Golden Gate
staff and programming will remain in place.
“We’re so thankful to all of you who have supported
the mission of Golden Gate over the years and we believe you will not only be
pleased with this partnership, but also impressed with the expanding success of
the Center in future years,” Ensdorff added. “We are also thankful to all of the
Golden Gate staff for their patience and trust during this process.”
Community members are invited to join
representatives of Golden Gate, Arizona’s Children Association and Wesley
Community Center for an open community “celebration” on April 21st from
6:00pm-8:00pm at Golden Gate Community Center. Golden Gate Community Center is
located at 1625 N. 39th Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85009.
About Wesley
Community Center
The Wesley Community Center, a nonprofit organization located in South Central Phoenix, Arizona, since 1950, provides programs and services with children, youth, adults, families, senior adults. Comprehensive healthcare is a major component of these services through the family practice emphases of the Wesley Health Center. Learn more at www.wesleycenterphx.org.
The Wesley Community Center, a nonprofit organization located in South Central Phoenix, Arizona, since 1950, provides programs and services with children, youth, adults, families, senior adults. Comprehensive healthcare is a major component of these services through the family practice emphases of the Wesley Health Center. Learn more at www.wesleycenterphx.org.
