For over 20 years, people in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas have dreamed of a community center that would buzz with activities and classes for kids and adults, as well as provide a place to rent for community and family events such as parties, meetings and weddings. The Jacksonville Community Center (JCC) organization, founded in 2000, arose from the interest of the Jacksonville Seniors, Inc. in having this vibrant resource for Jacksonville. For many years the dream seemed unattainable, but after obtaining a 50-year land-lease from the City and organizing a $700,000+ fundraising campaign conducted entirely by volunteers, the Center was finally completed in 2018.
The Center includes meeting and event spaces, a kitchen, and outdoor gardens and seating areas. JCC volunteers have provided an incredible wellspring of energy, renovating the cottage, landscaping the grounds, serving on the board/committees and fundraising. Now as the Center opens, we anticipate sponsoring a range of activities for all ages in the areas of arts, health and outdoor education. We are currently seeking volunteers for youth education instructors and speakers for future program development opportunities. We also gratefully accept donations to help reduce the remaining $30,000 gap in our capital campaign, or to support the Center’s ongoing operation. Contact our Center Director, Emily Saunders by email at jacksonvillecenterdirector@gmail.com or by phone at 541-702-2585. Mailing address for tax-deductible donations: PO Box 1435, Jacksonville, OR 97530. There are many exciting possibilities ahead!