Downtown Gary's City Life Center, a longtime after-school and job-training nonprofit that leaders say has served local families for decades, is warning it may have to shut its doors without an immediate cash lifeline. A sudden loss of major grant support has left staff, students, and parents scrambling for answers.
According to reporting by WGN, the center recently lost a federal grant that had brought in roughly $300,000 a year, a hit leaders describe as about 60 percent of the organization’s budget. The program is designed to serve about 120 children, but currently has around half that many enrolled, and roughly 29 local staffers could lose their jobs if the center closes.
“Sixty-plus years of service to this community, this building has been a sanctuary,” Executive Director Dr. Joshua Austin told WGN, adding that “we’re trying to make it every week” as staff work to cover basic operating costs. Students and program staff told reporters the center provides meals, rides, and a safe place after school.
Funding shortfall and grant history
In recent years, City Life Center has leaned on foundation support. It appears on the Lilly Endowment grants listing and has received smaller awards from the Legacy Foundation, but leaders say those funds have not come close to replacing the lost federal support.
According to the Lilly Endowment grants report, City Life Center has drawn on multiple grant sources while also pursuing philanthropic and individual donations. The Legacy Foundation also lists the group among its recent grantees.
Programs at risk
City Life Center operates 21st Century after-school programming that includes homework help, STEM tutoring, meals,s and van transportation to get students home, according to the group’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers proposal to the Indiana Department of Education. That application also outlines plans to expand out-of-school offerings across Gary.
How the community can help
Center leaders are publicly appealing for immediate donations and new partnerships. Without steady operating support, they say, the nonprofit will have to halt programs and lay off staff. The organization’s plea was featured in a video segment by CBS News Chicago, which highlighted the director’s call for urgent help.
If City Life Center closes, Gary would lose a long-standing safe space that doubles as a hub for after-school learning and job skills. For now, staff says they will keep programs running while leaders race to secure the funding that could keep the lights on and the vans rolling.
