Mission
Our Mission is to empower people of all ages and abilities in our communities, especially those most in need, to reach their fullest potential as productive and responsible citizens through initiatives that support and enrich children, teens, and families.
Vision
Our Vision is to support and strengthen our diverse neighborhoods by meeting the evolving needs of individuals and families. We work to develop the whole person from educating to providing sustenance, and thus, cultivate a vibrant community.
DEI Statement: To create a safe and welcoming place by building an inclusive environment and taking a holistic approach. We do this by providing a variety of support for all people and are committed to fostering a culture rooted in courage, empowerment, accountability, compassion, and creativity.
History
Founded as North Light Boys’ Club by Principal Anne Wright and Police Captain Franklin P. Luckman in 1936 as a drop-in center to divert community youth from delinquency and petty crime, North Light Community Center has organically evolved in response to changing community needs. North Light has only had four executive directors, all of whom have promoted a continued culture of holistic community support that has not wavered, even during trying times. John Willard and Irene Madrak developed a holistic continuum of care through their leadership from the 1950s through the end of 2019. Today, North Light is a place where children learn and play in a safe and nurturing environment, teens learn skills to prepare them for college and career opportunities as well as realize their full potential, and families and individuals in need receive critical assistance.
We believe that in order to create a safe and healthy space here at North Light we have to have a healthy organization. This begins with ensuring that our policies and procedures are affirming and supportive. It also begins with educating all staff and volunteers about trauma science, and ensuring that we continue to promote best practices and a culture of growth, learning, and resilience.
Our ultimate goal is to understand and create a safe environment where all people are able to open up and ask for help when they are in need, ensuring that we can meet the deeper needs of our constituents and the community as a whole.