Findlay Neighborhood Center—A Short Introduction

 Findlay Neighborhood Center (FNC) was formed as a non-profit corporation in December, 2003, and received tax-exempt 401(c)3 status in April, 2004.  FNC provides opportunities for area residents to take part in and profit from the currently  ongoing revitalization of the Findlay Market area.  (Please see the attached Mission Statement).  FNC is located on the first floor of 1830 Race Street and the third floor of 1832 Race Street, directly across from the outdoor section of Findlay Market.  Both buildings are currently  undergoing renovation, and we are making progress. The picture above shows the buildings shortly after we started, and the one to the left shows where we are now.  What a difference!  The interiors, too, are returning to life and beauty.

Findlay Neighborhood Center is a place for neighborhood people to express their creativity, talents, and ideas, and the Center is evolving. At present, we operate a sewing center and a children's program.  A theatre/stage facility is under construction, and we have just started to provide a meeting place for women recently released from prison.  While imprisoned, these women completed (and received certification) in a program entitled "The Psychology of Incarceration."  This program prepares women for the challenges of re-entry into society, and helps them learn from the mistakes of their past.  Once returned to the communities, they provide a support group for others returning from prison, and support one another in their new lives.  To learn more go to:  www.redwebzine.org

Our most firmly established program is our sewing center, opened in November, 2004, and it is thriving.  Historically, women especially have provided clothing, beautified their homes, and formed bonds with one another through sewing.  Many of the women who live in Over-the-Rhine are African-American, and sewing has played a strong, rich and creative role in African-American history.  For the most part, these women also live in poverty.  They have few resources with which to supply clothing for themselves and their families, and little means to beautify their homes.  In addition, they are often desperately in need of additional income.  At the same time, Findlay Market attracts customers to the area, and as the renovation of the Market proceeds and Market activities become more numerous and attractive, the numbers of people who are drawn are increasing.   Thus, there is currently an opportunity for poverty level residents to benefit from the influx of interest, development and money into the area.  

The Findlay Neighborhood Center sewing project provides fabric, buttons, thread, and other sewing supplies to neighborhood residents free or at low cost—on a sliding scale basis.  Sewing machines and instruction are provided at the Center, and there is the opportunity for individuals to offer their products for sale in the market and at craft shows.  Space for the sewing center has been renovated and includes a fabric room and a bright and cheerful space with four beautiful new sewing machines, bought with a grant from the Gladys Knox Foundation.  Perhaps most importantly, there is a room with a large table where participants cut fabric, sit together, hand sew and share the experiences of their lives. As it has turned out, our participants are racially diverse, range in age from 12 to senior citizens, and are both female and male.

Besides the sewing project, Findlay Neighborhood Center now operates a children's program, and we are hard at work on the development of Parkside Stage.  Please click the appropriate buttons at the end of this page to find out more about these exciting projects.