About us

Redwood Community Center Inc. (RCCI) was born from grassroots advocacy in the mid-1980s, as the Redwood area began to experience rapid population growth and emerging community needs. Initially catalyzed by efforts to establish a local church in the summer of 1987, the movement gained momentum in 1988 with a significant influx of immigrant families from Mexico. As the community solidified, so too did the challenges—rising crime, gang activity, and limited access to education and basic services underscored the urgent need for coordinated support systems.

In response, local residents JoAnn Carley and Evelyn McDaniels convened through a church-based women’s study group to envision a community-led solution. Their early outreach to city officials and law enforcement laid the groundwork for broader regional support and awareness. These efforts culminated in the formal incorporation of Redwood Community Center Inc. (RCCI), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering safety, education, and opportunity for underserved families in Redwood.

A pivotal moment in RCCI’s development came when Mr. Ralph Giesecke, a real estate developer and community ally, generously donated a two-acre parcel of land at the corner of Redwood Road and Spruce Street. This gift anchored RCCI’s long-term vision of establishing a permanent, accessible hub for services and programming.

In its early operational years, RCCI secured three United Way grants, which enabled the launch of targeted initiatives addressing food insecurity, educational access, and family support. These programs laid the foundation for RCCI’s model of community-driven impact.

Despite a period of dormancy from the early 1990s through 2008 due to limited engagement capacity, RCCI’s mission remained intact. In 2009, a new cohort of committed community leaders revitalized the organization, reigniting efforts to realize the long-held dream of a physical center. In 2013, RCCI broke ground on Centro Esperanza, a multipurpose facility developed in partnership with Gary Job Corps, a workforce development agency. Though initially located offsite, Centro Esperanza provided RCCI with a formal address—enhancing visibility, expanding service reach, and unlocking new funding opportunities.

In 2018, RCCI successfully relocated Centro Esperanza to its original two-acre site at 2045 Spruce Street, fulfilling a decades-long vision. Today, RCCI continues to expand its programming and deepen its impact, with a strategic focus on health and wellness, intergenerational services for seniors and youth, and capacity-building initiatives that empower Redwood to sustain its own growth.

RCCI remains committed to advancing equity, resilience, and community-led solutions—serving not only Redwood but also neighboring areas aligned with the mission of our funders and partners.

About us

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