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H. K. Cummings Community Center

The H. K. Cummings Community Center was founded in 1993 by the Pendergast School District, Greater Phoenix Urban League, and Southwest Leadership Foundation (SLF). In response to a myriad of incredible needs facing the community and families, these agencies resolved to establish the Community Center; as a place that offers hope and positive change. Children and families are surrounded with resources and support services to improve their chances for success.

Through the support of the Pendergast School District, Desert Horizon School was offered as a home for the new community center. The Greater Phoenix Urban League established a Head Start program and offered to serve as a link for other services offered by the Cummings Community Center: An initial grant from the Cummings Foundation to hire case managers and provide additional services was secured by SLF

Center Goals

H. K. Cummings Community Center endeavors to:

• Provide supportive services to families with multiple needs.

• Encourage individual family members to work towards self sufficiency.

• Provide assistance to families in crisis.

• Provide social and educational experiences for youths that will improve academics and foster positive self-esteem.

Crisis Intervention

Assistance is available to families that require immediate support. Sensitive, support staff help families complete a needs assessment and a Family Action Plan (FAP), The FAP is an instrument utilized to help family members develop future goals and become stable. In addition, the center offers a food and clothing bank.

Head Start

Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program for children from low-income families. Each child receives a variety of individualized learning experiences to foster social, intellectual, physical and emotional growth. Head Start emphasizes early identification of health problems. Involvement of parents in education, program planning and operations is an essential part of the Head Start program.

Project H.O.P.E.

H.O.P.E. is an after school enrichment program that focuses on improving each child's sense of self-value, confidence and respect for others. This is achieved through the use of educational themes, games and other social activities that foster growth.

Family Enrichment Activities

Parenting classes are provided to help individuals with changing family conditions that may place them at risk. Other adult educational programs include assistance in resume writing, GED and ESL support. Employment and training activities are conducted to improve chances for long-term employment and economic stability within the home.

All services rendered to clients are based on the following core principles:

• Individuals, when faced with social, economic, mental, spiritual or physical challenges, should receive relevant support that will empower him or her to successfully cope with the situation.

• Parents are the primary educators, role models and providers for children.

• Families should have support services readily available to strengthen all members.

• Parents should be involved in every aspect of their child's education and social development to insure that problems are addressed very early.

• The most effective model to insure the well being of children is for family, school, and communities to work together as a team.

• All human beings must be valued and treated with dignity and respect.

• Racial, cultural, and social diversity are viewed as positive opportunities for human learning.

• Every individual has a right to improve his or her condition in life.

For more information on the Herbert K. Cummings Community Center please visit us at (located on the campus of) Desert Horizon Elementary School, 8527 W. Osborne Road, Bldg. B-12, Phoenix, Arizona 85037.