Clevland Avenue YMCA Cultural Arts And Education Center

The Cleveland Avenue YMCA was established in Montgomery, Alabama, during the early days of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. In 1956, Dr. Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Improvement Association made the initial $20,000 contribution necessary to get the project started. This money was left over from the Rosa L. Parks Defense Fund. Ms. Park's bus boycott during that time brought national attention to the civil rights cause. The YMCA is located only blocks from her original home in one of the nation's most significant areas of the Civil Rights Movement.

When the YMCA opened in 1960, it featured a gymnasium, swimming pool, a large playground and a multipurpose building. In 1985 an educational wing was added through major support from Mr. Winton Blount and the Blount Foundation. The Facility quickly became a place for community leaders to meet as well as a refuge and learning site for children. However, the YMCA was never simply just about recreation. It was also a place where children could play, learn, and grow. Many of the these children have completed school and gone on to become teachers, lawyers, judges, ministers, doctors and engineers.

In 2000 with the help of Senator Shelby the opening of the Cultural Arts and Education Center (CAEC) was realized by the Cleveland Avenue YMCA. The largest facility in the country dedicated totally to the arts. This unique 30,000 square foot facility provides a rare opportunity for Montgomery's disadvantaged youth. The CAEC has the potential of reaching 500-700 inner city children between the ages of four and twelve through programs in dance, music, visual arts, and theater arts. The CAEC is proud of its' strong partnership with organizations throughout the city including the Montgomery Head Start, Montgomery Public Schools, Neighborhood Childcare Programs, The Montgomery Symphony, The Montgomery Ballet, Alabama State Council on the Arts, Boys and Girls Club and the Cleveland Avenue YMCA Visual Arts and Performing Arts Program.

The Center's calendar consists of 3 seventeen-week programs that will be offered in the morning, afternoon and on weekends. On weekday mornings during the school year, approximately 160 preschool children participate in sessions of musical theater, visual arts, and dance. Children who participate in the after-school program are transported to the Center on alternating days where they receive instruction in dance, the visual arts, choir, instrumental music and drama. Over 360 children have the opportunity to receive daily art lessons. During the summer, 2 three-hour visual and performing arts camps are held. These run for approximately 17 weeks. The camps conclude with a performance by the students.

Since the Center opened, hundreds of children have experienced the benefits this wonderful facility has to offer. The excitement and enthusiasm in their eyes convey the importance of the Center's mission. The establishment of the YMCA Cultural Arts and Education Center Endowment Fund ensures this effort can continue for many years to come. This effort alone underscores the significance of the commitment made to the children and our future some 41 years ago. Contributions to the endowment will allow this commitment to remain strong for generations to come.