BVCC HISTORY

Since its earliest days, the Bay View Community Center has always been an independent, inclusive, community-supported, nonprofit organization that continuously fosters a strong belief in quality. Originally starting in a single-storefront, Depression-era building on Milwaukee’s Kinnickinnic Avenue, the Center has since then moved to a more suitable location that has encouraged a fast-paced, busy atmosphere that strives every day to make our community a better place. The Center maintains specific criteria that ensure our programs are worthwhile and valuable to participants. BVCC staff and volunteers aim to consistently provide programs that exceed expectations! The tremendous increase in program attendance throughout the years is the result of quality programming that consistently meets the needs of people in the community. 

After reviewing an assessment of the community’s needs, it revealed that our staff alone could not sufficiently meet the asks and wants of the people. We decided to build a volunteer force that would function in many ways like the paid staff. Today, the Bay View Community Center is proud of its volunteer corps, which totals more than 260 individuals! These hard-working individuals are nurtured and supported as if they were paid staff, with the awarding of job descriptions and decision-making authority, are encouraged to think creatively and innovatively, and receive recognition for their service. 

Many of our programs are suggested, developed, and even run by volunteers. Our volunteers are why the Center is an organization capable of providing the kinds of programming that meet the community’s needs.