For over 40 years, The Washington Street Community Center (WSCC) has continuously provided a place to meet, learn and socialize for young and old area residents.

WSCC was founded by community leaders in 1967 to provide a facility that would assist in the "neighbor helping neighbor" concept in an increasingly mobile society. Originally named the Washington Park Community Center, the name was changed in 1999 to the Washington Street Community Center.

WSCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has been a United Way agency since 1972 and annually meets the standards of that organization.

Volunteers are the backbone of WSCC providing over 2,500 hours annually to further our mission.

Architectural History The original building housing WSCC was built in 1907 by the Ohio Avenue Congregational Church. In 1966 the church merged with the Washington Park Congregational Church (currently located at 400 So. Williams). Phil Goodstein, author of South Denver Saga, picks up the story from there:

"Under the leadership of Elizabeth Clark, the Washington Park United Church of Christ suggested the Ohio Avenue structure be used as a community center. The Colorado Conference of the United Church of Christ agreed and, with the support of the Washington Park United Church of Christ and seven other neighborhood churches, the building was remodeled and opened as the home of the incorporated non-profit Washington Park Community Center in 1967."

The building has been remodeled through city bond issues in 1995 (upgrading of mechanical systems), 1998 (playground renovation) and 2000 (kitchen remodel).

Staff

Stacey Perez, Executive Director

Before serving as Director, Ms. Perez has been the Account Manager for the Center since 1994. Over the years, she has served on Fund Raising Committees, Special Event Committees,and assisted in the Childcare and Senior Programs, as well as working as the Assistant to the Executive Director.  Stacey holds a degree from Mansfield Business College.  As the current Director, she has worked with Community Resource Center in training for “Marketing and the Media” and the “Grant Seeking Clinic”.  She also attends the “Colorado Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program”.  Ms. Perez brings a special vitality to her role as WSCC’s Executive Director that stems from her direct involvement with every aspect of the Center over the years.

Tanya Hammar, Senior Program Director

Prior to joining the WSCC staff in May 2011 as the Senior Program Director, Tanya was the Education Coordinator at The Adoption Exchange. Tanya’s background is in program building and development, and she is busy learning about the needs of seniors - both as a group and as individuals - so that she can expand upon the wonderful programs already offered here. Tanya’s heart has been at WSCC since 2004, when her daughter attended the pre-school program.

Martha Horstman-Evans, Children's Program Director

Martha Horstman- Evans has been “Children’s Program Director” since 2001.  However, she has been involved with  the Center in many capacities since 1991.   As the Rental Coordinator, she created the “After Work Stress Relief” program that provided yoga, tai chi and strength classes for working parents.  As the Children’s Program Director, she spearheaded our involvement with QUALISTAR, a program that raises the standards of preschool education.  For the last ten years, she has been the Director of “The Neighborhood Playhouse”- an intergenerational drama program in which the productions are created to fit the needs of the participants.  Martha has worked as a Creative Drama teacher in the Denver and Cherry Creek Schools.  In 2001-3, she developed the award winning “Character Education through the Dramatic Arts” program for Slavens School. (K-8) Martha received her B.F.A. from Webster University and has written and taught for NYC schools.

Current Board Members 

Anita Martin, President
Tom Hammar, Vice President

Gary Nearpass, Treasurer
Kathy Schumacher, Treasurer 
Saskia Sawyer, Secretary

Doris Burd 
Indira Gujral