TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— The 14th and Chestnut Community Center is facing closure due to recent federal funding cuts.
According to the news release, the community center was notified this week that its federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant would be halted due to a federal funding freeze, like many organizations. The grant secured $372,000 a year for four years, which was being used to pay staff salaries, utility bills, and develop new programs like art and enrichment.
“This grant is a very substantial amount of money for us. It was essentially a lifeboat to save us,”
explains 14th and Chestnut Director Connor Scanlon.
The 14th and Chestnut Community Center provides essential services like after-school and summer childcare, a food pantry, and others, all for free. During the summer of 2025, the program hosted almost 250 children, five days a week, providing food, field trips, and mentorship.
“The structure and circumstances of each of our families are different,” explains the Director of
Programming, Laresha Johnson. “Some of our families are facing homelessness, some of the
children are involved in a Department of Child Services case, or they’re struggling with a number
of different disadvantages. We provide a free, safe, and consistent place for these children.”
After-school attendance at the community center ranges from 40-70 children. The community center said that the number has grown each year since the pandemic. The community center provides a free place for school-age children to come for a hot meal, clothing, educational assistance, and other services.
14th and Chestnut employs seven people, including administrative staff, custodians, and cafeteria staff. The non-profit also employs some high school and college students part-time after school and during the summer months.
14th and Chestnut, however, states they will be forced to close without the federal funding. Earlier in 2025, Scanlon said that cuts were made throughout the organization due to inflation.
“In the 25 years we have been open, 14th and Chestnut has not had to rely on a grant like this, but with costs of everything across the board rising and the center growing at the capacity it is, this grant is a much-needed financial boost we couldn’t do without,” Scanlon said.
The center is asking the public for their assistance by making posts on social media or emailing, and reaching out to local legislators. They encourage you to share your personal stories of the center. They will also be collecting donations and looking to host a large fundraiser or speak with a corporate sponsor.
“All of our funding goes to the children,” explains Johnson. “We are paying the people who want
to be here, they want to provide a direction for our students. It makes a big difference to have
people here, creating intentional and positive relationships and experiences for kids that need it
the most.”
