Neighborhood Centers History 

​In the fall of 1973, residents from the Mark IV Apartments, currently known as Pheasant Ridge, came together out of a concern for their neighborhood. They were troubled by recent vandalism and disputes between neighbors.

This group shared a simple desire to create a more peaceful neighborhood. They decided they needed a common space – a neighborhood center – where children could gather for safe and fun after school activities. A place where families could meet and get to know one another. 

They approached apartment management and were given the use of a three-bedroom apartment. In October of 1973 Neighborhood Centers was born.

​In 1990, we expanded and built a 6,000 square foot facility on Broadway Street to serve the families in southeast Iowa City. A few years later we started working in the mobile home neighborhood bringing resources and programs to underserved families.

Our continuum of programming begins with NAEYC accredited child development programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in our two neighborhood-based community centers and continues with in-school and after school prevention programming. Teen programming includes academic, enrichment, and personal growth activities, as well as employment and college preparation. We also work closely with parents of young children through our accredited Family Support programming, and we offer adult literacy and general support programs in our centers.

Over The Years