The Center for Whitley County Youth, founded in 2004, emerged from the vision of Community of Hope Church in Columbia City, Indiana. After moving to a new facility, the church sought to repurpose their old building into a dedicated center for youth development. This initiative, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Whitley County, laid the foundation for what would become The Center.
Launched in 2005 with the introduction of our program, NiteLife, The Center has since evolved into a broad-based community resource. Over the years, we have expanded our reach and impact, now operating three centers across Whitley County and offering 16 diverse programs for youth in grades 1 through 12, as well as young adults.
Our mission—to promote youth development through service, outreach, and collaboration—drives everything we do. We pride ourselves on fostering meaningful community connections, providing enriching experiences, and preparing the next generation of leaders. Our 20-year history reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, demonstrating the sustainability and ongoing need for our services.
