The Eastside of Indianapolis is becoming more diverse and the Community at the Crossing Multi Service Center (CCMSC) exists to be a nearby resource for wellness, community service and education.
“There’s nothing like us here in this area. If you head east of Post Road, there’s a huge population that can’t get to some of the urban community centers or don’t know they exist. We want to be highly visible in an area where we know our services will be needed,” said Robert Walls, executive director of CCMSC.
The large center, which sits on seven acres of land, houses a wide variety of initiatives and programs. CCMSC has a formal sanctuary and a smaller, informal sanctuary; a day care center; the Purdue Extension Program which will instruct teens in economic and community development; math and science tutoring provided by the Carmel Frontiers Endeavors Alliance Group; and the 21st Century Community Leaders Project which offers academic and cultural support for underperforming students at Oaklandon Elementary School, Mary Castle Elementary School and Arsenal Technical High School.
There are also athletic camps and youth and adult athletic leagues held in the full size gymnasium that also includes a stage; a small fitness center; a board room, classrooms and meeting space; a full size kitchen for entertaining; a tailor shop that teaches sewing classes; Beach Bound Express Catering, which offers healthy food and beverage options; and the Global Children’s Vision Network, a multimedia studio, among other programs and activities.
“We live in a world where various sources are needed. It’s good to know that Community at the Crossing is housing all of these services, programs and activities under one roof catering to multiple needs,” said Ashley Gurvitz, the center’s marketing and community relations coordinator.
The center’s signature program is a civics academy called “We the People.” Walls said that the academy is not a school but a program fashioned to teach kids the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and citizenship.
“In education, civic education is sometimes the first thing to go. We want to make sure kids are still getting these important skills and information,” said Bryan Chatfield, who is the community/government liaison and program developer at the center.
Once participants complete the “We the People” program, they can attend the national competition, which is held annually at a Historical Black College or University.
All of these activities are offered to members at affordable prices. Membership is $10 per month for an individual and $20 a month for a family. Fees go toward building operations, services and youth projects. Initially CCMSC will be run by volunteers, including Walls.
“I really wanted this to happen. If our plans for this center flourish, we will be able to hire staff, but right now, we’re operating on our passion for the community,” said Walls.
There is a professional grant writer on staff, which Walls hopes will bring in monies to pay future salaries and grow the center.
The center, located at 6701 Oaklandon Road, will officially open to the public in February.
What makes CCMSC unique is that it is not just a building comprised of things for people to do, but is considered an incubator housing numerous and various nonprofits coming together under one roof to share the costs and offer services to center members.
“The nonprofit dollars are decreasing primarily because of economic reasons. We wanted to bring in a number of nonprofits that support one another in many ways and have positive impacts on one another,” said Walls who is experienced in starting business and nonprofit incubators.
Walls carefully selected the nonprofits that will be housed at CCMSC because he believes that the success of an incubator is directly related to how well everyone works together. While each nonprofit has individual goals, he said those who truly care about the success of other nonprofits in the incubator will help the center flourish and effectively reach the community.
In addition to the team efforts of its nonprofits, CCMSC is a firm believer in the power of partnerships and the ability to offer patrons additional resources. Currently the center’s key partners are New Revelation Christian Church where Richard Reynolds serves as pastor and Heaven Sent Daycare Ministry.
Many are excited to see what is to come for CCMSC. In particular, Chatfield is confident about its success under Walls’ leadership and believes the center’s goals of offering incubator space to nonprofits, improving the lives of families and building a stronger community will be a positive contribution to Indianapolis’ Eastside.
Furthermore, he believes that while many centers stereotypically service low-income areas and people, CCMSC offers a wide variety of services for everyone to enjoy.
“When we think about providing services, we oftentimes forget about the middle class families who may not be making a whole lot of money, but still need help. It’s hard in the middle sometimes. They still want their kids to participate in programs, but may not have the extra income to do that. We want everyone to get the help they need,” said Chatfield.
For more information on Community at the Crossing Multi Service Center, partnership opportunities, lease space and more, call (317) 823-1200 or email ccmsindy@gmail.com.
