Friday, April 18, 2014

Golden Gate Community Center transitions from Arizona’s Children Association to Wesley Community Center

On May 1st, 2014, Golden Gate Community Center in west Phoenix will officially transition from Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) to the care of Wesley Community Center. Golden Gate Community Center has been a member of Arizona’s Children Association family of agencies since 2004.

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.