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KEY'S Community Center

Program Philosophy

Knowledge, Education, Youth and Society (KEYS) are the keys to the future and are the foundation precepts of KEY'S Community Center. The mission of the Center is to provide training for the personal and professional betterment of South Phoenix Village and area residents. In an area plagued with high unemployment and low high school graduation rates, KEY's Community Center concentrates its efforts on continuing education and professional skill enhancement. GED preparation, computer preparation, job readiness classes and case management services help prepare individuals for a brighter future. In addition, the center offers a variety of outreach services to area youth to tackle the challenges of teen development.

History of the Program

In 1989, Partners In Action and Southwest Leadership Foundation came together to create the KEY'S Community Center, which focuses on families and youth services. Thus began KEY'S' transition first to a thrift shop, then to a community-based center to serve the residents of South Phoenix Village. Thanks to an extensive renovation project sponsored by Hunt Cor. Inc., along with many hours of donated labor and materials from more than ten different contractors, KEY'S Community Center stands ready to provide a comfortable and secure environment.

KEY'S Community Center is one of eight projects developed by Southwest Leadership Foundation, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under IRS Code 501C3. Southwest Leadership Foundation's mission is to promote the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of our community's children, young adults and families in need. The multi-faceted Community Center is located in the midst of Phoenix's first Fight Back area in which residents have vowed to take back their neighborhoods from crime and violence. This challenging task is only attainable with a broad base of community support. Corporate and private donations have aided the development of Keys Community Center. We now look to the broader community for additional assistance to maintain and enhance the Center and its services.

Community Services

• ABE. (Adult Basic Education) - Classes are offered to prepare individuals in attaining the General Equivalency Diploma (GED.). Classes are funded by a grant from the Arizona Department of Education and are offered free of charge to individuals ages 16 or older. Classes are open entry and open exit.

• Computer Preparation - Provides a basic overview of computer operations with practice drills on keyboarding and accuracy. Students learn applications associated with "Microsoft Office.

• JAM. (Job Advantage Meetings) - This is an opportunity for prospective employers to present their company's policies on hiring and to explain how clients may apply for available positions. Meetings are held during STRIDE's job readiness classes.

• Information & Referral - This service provides information on a variety of local social service or crisis support agencies and facilitates the client's use of those services to address their needs.

• Project STRIDE (Successful Training Resources for Individual Development - Assist residents in developing life management, job attainment and job security skills. Classes are offered in sessions that last 4-6 weeks. Participants are provided a stipend, support services and job attainment assistance.