The Community Family Life & Recreation Center at Lyon Park
About Us
The West End Community Foundation, Inc. (WECF) is a long-standing nonprofit organization that was established to improve the overall quality of life for the residents of the City of Durham, with a particular focus on those in Southwest Central Durham. Since its inception in 2002, WECF has been actively managing the Community Family Life & Recreation Center at Lyon Park.
The roots of the Community Family Life & Recreation Center at Lyon Park trace back to its origins as a school catering to African-American students during Durham’s era of segregation. Over time, it has evolved into a dynamic focal point where families come together.
In the present day, the Center, in collaboration with the West End Community Foundation, Inc. (WECF), plays a crucial role in promoting community well-being. Their efforts encompass initiatives aimed at maintaining family health, educating the youth, offering diverse enrichment opportunities, and more. The hard-working staff and the dedicated volunteer board of directors are committed to creating a better Durham for all.
In a spirit of collaboration, WECF partners with various community entities. Through a diverse array of programs, they extend services to over 3,000 individuals each month. These programs span from early childhood development services to specialized programming tailored for senior citizens.
Our Vision
The vision of WECF is to be a self-sustaining vibrant organization of the community that is culturally diverse, inclusive and responsive to the expressed needs of the community.
Our Mission Statement
WECF is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals residing in the West End (Southwest Central Durham area) and the City of Durham through education, community development, wellness, job readiness and access, and human enrichment.
Core Values
Community Centered
We place the needs and priorities of the community at the forefront of our work and are committed to building relationships and engaging with residents.
Integrity
We will act with integrity by adhering to professional standards in all aspects of our operations and will conduct our business by with high ethical standards.
Inclusivity
We value diversity and actively work to promote equity and inclusion in all our activities.
Education
We prioritize education as a means of empowering individuals and building stronger communities.
Innovation
We will strive to collaboratively drive change by delivering innovative, cutting-edge programs that empower the community we serve.
Health & Wellness
We are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community.
Economic Opportunity
We provide job readiness and access opportunities to support financial stability and self-sufficiency.
Enrichment
We promote personal and community growth through arts and cultural activities, as well as other opportunities for human enrichment.
History
We are committed to honoring and preserving the rich history of the West End community, ensuring that its past is remembered and celebrated.
Collaboration
We value partnership-building and work closely with other organizations and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
Sustainability
We are committed to promoting long-term sustainability, both environmentally and economically.
