Case Western Reserve’s Wade Park Center: A New Era of Community Engagement
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) has launched its new Wade Park Community Engagement Center, a significant step toward strengthening its connection with the local community. The center, located at 11310 Wade Park Ave., occupies a newly renovated two-story building that was once a residence. The renovation, costing $2.3 million, repurposed the structure into a vibrant community hub, reversing the university’s initial plan to demolish it.
Renovation and Features
The renovation transformed the building into a space designed for community engagement, featuring various programs and resources. CWRU staff members from the Office of Local Government and Community Relations will be based on the second floor to manage and facilitate community programming.
Community Programs
The Wade Park Community Engagement Center will offer a diverse range of programs, including:
- Health and Wellness: Screenings and workshops aimed at improving community health.
- Education: Tutoring and mentoring for K-12 students.
- Financial Assistance: Financial literacy workshops and tax preparation services.
- Legal Support: Re-entry clinics to assist formerly incarcerated individuals, led by the CWRU School of Law.
- Small Business Support: Advising for local small businesses.
- Trauma Support: Training for teachers, social workers, parents, and others on supporting individuals who have experienced trauma.
Additional Facilities
In addition to its programs, the center boasts several community-focused features:
- Classroom Space: For adult learners and skill seekers.
- Community Gathering Space: For local events and meetings.
- Job Board: To help residents find employment opportunities.
- Telehealth/Interview Room: Equipped with reliable WiFi for telehealth consultations and remote job interviews.
Future Plans
CWRU expressed its enthusiasm for the new center, emphasizing its commitment to ongoing community engagement. “We know that in partnership with the community, other programs will be developed,” the university stated. “We are eager to see the new types of learning that will occur with the exchange of information and knowledge and the development of positive relationships between the campus and the community.”
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