West Medford Community Center, Neighbor

The West Medford Community Center arose from the recognized need for the African American community which had rooted itself in West Medford, to “take care of ourselves.” WMCC established in 1934 and incorporated in the 1950’s during Jim Crow. This was a time when African Americans were unwelcome “across the tracks,” beyond the three streets- Jerome, Lincoln & 1 side of Arlington- due to the racial discrimination amongst realtors renting property in Medford. We are a volunteer, membership participation organization designed to promote the civic, social, recreational well-being & stewardship of what was originally West Medford & has grown to include the whole of Medford & the wider Mystic River Valley. Our primary goal is to support this idea of “community” that intangible quality where people know they belong and that others have their interests at heart. Year-round, WMCC provides opportunities for folks from different generations, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, economic status, or any arbitrary divisions, to come together, learn from each other & experience this idea of “community”. WMCC offers youth, family and Senior programming year-round with free community events and forums. At the end of 2022, WMCC was chosen to be a pilot resiliency hub in Medford. This work includes elevating diverse communities in positions of leadership and implementing a poverty reduction program, the first of its kind in the area.