(formerly the Portage Community Outreach Center)

We believe it is important for everyone to have hopes and dreams - in fact, without them the Center would not be in existence today. In 1976, two Portage teenagers, Scott Allen & Scott Mahoney had a dream - a dream to start a center for troubled teens - so they founded the Portage Community Outreach Center. Over 30 years later, we are still serving teens - but have expanded to serving the needs of the entire family. The Center has grown over the years as the needs of the community have grown. Today, our focus is on individuals and families who face both economic challenges and other challenges as well.

The Center moved to a new location in November 2007 - to 325 E. Centre, on the corner of E. Centre and Currier Dr. The new location is in the city center area - close the Portage Senior Center, Portage District Library, City Hall and other city departments. It is also in the heart of the three new Portage bus routes which will greatly increase accessibility. The three Portage bus routes converge on Brown Street - directly across the street from the Center.

The new location allowed us to expand current services - with a particular emphasis on our middle school program. It has also allowed for two exciting new partnerships - the Family Health Center and Head Start. The Family Health Center asked if we might have room in our new facility for a satellite clinic. We were thrilled to be able to accommodate them as access to healthcare has consistently been the #1 need reported by customers of the Center. The clinic has both medical and dental services available for residents of Portage and the surrounding community. Head Start has for some time been looking for more permanent locations and our new facility provides space for two classrooms. We believe this is a perfect fit as Head Start families will be able to access support services through the Center and also critical healthcare through the clinic. The new facility will also act as a shelter location for the American Red Cross Mobile Unit in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

At the time of our move, the Board of Directors changed the name and the image of the organization. We believe the name, Portage Community Center, better embraces our expanded programs and new partnerships. Our image, the rising sun, expresses our belief that all people have value and should have the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. Every day is a new day, providing an opportunity for Making Life Better.