Built in the 1880s as a residential development, Jefferson Avenue is noted for its broad boulevard with a park in the center, and handsome Italianate buildings
Gradual deterioration similar to that experienced by other inner-city blocks throughout the country had robbed the community of much of its charm, but in 1975 a remarkable couple purchased the properties to provide stable space for nonprofits and to preserve the neighborhood. The chartered our organization and donated all of the buildings.
Restored and adapted, the properties provide space for 18 nonprofit organizations, as well as 57 residential units for a substance abuse rehabilitation program.
What is your favorite feature in your space?
Our campus has beautiful greenspace and interesting pieces of public art. The unicorn among the lilies is drawn from a James Thurber short-story (the Thurber House is literary center and museum on the Jefferson campus)
What has been your biggest challenge with your center?
We hear “What a hidden gem!” again and again…so identity and visibility clearly need more work.
What are your favorite resources that you would recommend to others?
Linking Mission to Money, by Allen Proctor
Stanford Social Innovation Review https://ssir.org/
and an amazing list of reporters who cover the nonprofit sector with their Twitter accounts:
55 Journalists Covering Social Change You Should Follow on Twitter
Connect with Community Door:
Web: JeffersonAvenueCenter.org
Facebook: @jeffersonavenuecenter