Wesley Community Centers, Inc.
About Us
Who We Are
Wesley Community Centers, Inc. offers caring, compassionate ministries in Atlanta neighborhoods with special needs, partnering with local organizations and residents. Our work is in response to the call of Christ to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We are a related ministry of the United Methodist Church with roots in Atlanta that go back more than 100 years.
Our History
In 1895, Atlanta was changing rapidly as rural people poured into town seeking work and a better life. Representatives from ten Methodist congregations (today United Methodist) organized the Women’s Board of City Missions to address the needs of the poor. They focused their efforts in the mill neighborhood of present-day Cabbagetown, founding a settlement house in 1902, which eventually relocated to Richardson Street and became Wesley Community House.
Today’s Wesley Community Centers, Inc. took shape in the mid-60’s. A campground was acquired to establish Camp Wesley as a ministry to children and youth. A merger with Bethlehem Center resulted in a special focus on South Atlanta neighborhoods and a growing emphasis on senior citizen ministry to complement the agency’s traditional strength in child and youth service.
In addition to Camp Wesley and Bethlehem Senior Center, Wesley Community Centers Inc. operates Project Extend, a home repair program for low-income elderly persons living in their own homes.
Our Mission and Values
A related ministry of the United Methodist Church, Wesley Community Centers exists in response to the call of Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves. Working in partnership with individuals and organizations in underserved Atlanta neighborhoods, we work to develop caring, compassionate ministries to meet the needs of these communities and their residents.
We value:
- Celebrating the opportunity to carry out the social ministries of the United Methodist Church
- Belonging to a network of missions serving people of all ages
- Helping low-income families become empowered to help themselves
- Respecting the wisdom and human experience of the people we serve; and Diversity, and the equality of all people regardless or race, class, age or sexual identity
Our Vision
Wesley Community Centers serves as a Christian refuge for families to have access to programs and services that offer opportunities for self-improvement.
Partners and Affiliates
Wesley Community Centers aligns our strengths and resources with those of other organizations that are seeking to improve circumstances for individuals, families and communities. Reflecting our roots, we are a related of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church and affiliated with the UMC’s North Georgia Conference.
The City of Atlanta and Fulton County are our partners in providing services for children, youth and seniors. A broad and growing network of local organizations, congregations and faith groups, and corporate friends provide support in many forms.
Our Staff:
M. Joy Magnus
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Cande Wunderlich Taylor |
Gwen Loucas
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Launa Bacon |
Project Extend |
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Charles Bonner
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Yvette Foucha |
Howard Lamey
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Tony Miller
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Marlon Moss
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Bethlehem Senior Center |
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Margaret Hoard |
Gloria Martin
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Dora James
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Camp Wesley |
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Susan Vanhoose |
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Meet our Board of Directors |