WELCOME!

The Bray Center, Inc. is the only neighborhood center in Racine which is an independent non-profit 501(c)3 social service agency and not a part of the city run community center system. Each has its place to be sure, but many assume that the Bray Center is controlled by the city. It is not, nor does it have access to the resources of the city for things like staffing and maintenance. Rather, the Bray Center pays a price for its autonomy by carrying its own responsibility to keep the doors open, employ staff and maintain the facility. The Bray Center is owned by the neighborhood, as per the articles of incorporation. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of neighborhood leaders and young adults, not to mention held accountable by the youth and families who depend on the Bray Center every day for the programs and services provided. You are welcome, indeed encouraged to visit, even join in the effort. Click on Agency Link "50 Years of History in 2011" in right column for more history and on Blog Post title WELCOME to see more about agency Programs and Activities.

Education is the New Hustle!

The Bray Center foyer offers the new "College Corner", providing details of agency pre-college programs such as GEAR UP and "Operation Survival". Staff is available to answer questions and guide young people (and older too) who are interested in taking steps toward furthering their education and solidifying their marketability in a tough job environment. Everything from getting financial aid and applying for college, to acquiring a GED and getting things started in a powerful direction.

Census Job Testing/Application Site at Bray Center

Every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at the Bray Center, workers for jobs paying $14-$17 per hour are being recruited. The US Census staff is taking applications and providing testing to applicants on a walk in basis.

Soon, a Census Completion Assistance Service will be set up for residents who need help completing the Census Forms they may have received in the mail. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Census, so that the community is properly represented when the federal government sets up resource allocation policies and House of Representatives representation.

Honoring the Founders of the Bray Center

Above: Thelma Orr, Jacob Lott, and Nancy Henry, then to the right: Bernice Moore, George Bray, Marie Danielson (and later Leo Mutchler)were among the founders celebrated in the murals recently painted in the gym by local artist Darren Hutcherson. http://braycenterhistory.blogspot.com/ Click this link for a more detailed history of the Bray Center.

Bray Center used to be Franklin Center. 50 years of evolution.

Remember banana seat bikes, big bell bottoms, and afros (picture,left)? Before it became known as the Bray Center (today), shortened from the George Bray Neighborhood Center (for the man who provided the leadership to establish the site), it was the Franklin Neighborhood Center, named for the Franklin Neighborhood Association of area residents, but in between, it was the Pink House too, named for the color of the house around the corner in which the first programs were developed.

Click on blog post title "Bray Center used to be Franklin Center" for complete history.

And the WINNER is...

Tronika Edmonds, seventh grader at Starbuck Middle School in Racine, winner of the first Bray Center Spelling Bee, is seen with Program Coordinator Annie Hicks after receiving her championship medal. She moved through several words to come out on top among a field of students in grades 6 thru 8. More pictures here. Congratulations Tronika!!!

Events and Activities in the works...

Bray Center staff always seem to be planning something. Watch for details about the coming Spelling Bee, Bray Neighborhood Family Fun Fair, Two-on-Two Basketball Tournament, Spring Clean Up the Block, and more... Any suggestions? Volunteers? Join the Bray Neighborhood Parent Association today.

No press is bad press...click on link below.

Most recent local media coverage of Bray Center activities. See link.
"Groups dedicated to a brighter future....."
http://journaltimesonline.com/articles/2009/02/21/local_news/doc499f58712d2fe266377148.prt

Executive Director of Bray Center Jameel Ghuari welcomes now Chief Executive of the USA Barack Obama to Racine during the campaign in 2008.

Young James Stills ... one of the good guys.

James Stills (right), who grew up in Racine and is employed at SC Johnson, thanks Executive Director Jameel Ghuari (left) and Board President Daud Ahmad (center), both of the Bray Center, for helping him distribute the 40 coats Stills purchased for children. (Children are not included in the photos pending parental permisson to post them.)