HISTORY
Claymont Community Center was founded by community leaders in 1974 to support the needs of children and families in Claymont, Delaware. The center operates from the former Claymont High School, which was built in 1924 and is rich in U.S. history. One historic turning point occurred in September 1952, when a legal decision enabled 11 African American students to attend Claymont High School. They were the first African Americans to legally integrate in the 17 states that allowed school segregation. This was one of the cornerstone cases cited in the Brown v. Board of Education decision that made segregation illegal and helped jump-start the Civil Rights Movement.
In the years since, we have expanded our service area to the communities surrounding Claymont, and we have welcomed generations of residents through our doors. As a result of a unique mix of our own programs and tenant agencies, we now provide a broad range of activities and services for thousands of people each year.
A nonprofit organization, Claymont Community Center is operated by the Brandywine Community Resource Council, Inc. We are funded through the Delaware Grant-in-Aid Program, United Way of Delaware, and contributions from other government agencies, corporations, foundations, community organizations, businesses, and individuals.
Vision
The Center’s vision is to create a community where all people have their basic needs met and can grow to achieve their full potential.
Mission
The Center is committed to providing residents of Claymont and the surrounding areas with a variety of health and human services, educational opportunities, and recreational activities.
Core Values
As we promote the development of individuals, families, and neighborhoods; we hold these values to guide us in our decisions:
- Understanding the community as a whole
- Respecting the individuals within the community
- Ensuring integrity and ethics in our relationships
- Increasing appreciation for people’s needs
- Appreciating the needs of people override all considerations
Claymont Community Center provides a wide array of resources to help people improve their lives. Our primary programs are:
Brandywine Senior Center
Claymont Counseling Services
Food Closet
Claymont Learning Center
Click here to visit our Staff and Board Directory
In addition, we house multiple tenant agencies that offer their own, unique services. With so many resources in one convenient location, Claymont Community Center is a hub for learning, getting well, and having fun.
Individuals and organizations can also rent our facilities. We offer rooms for meetings, classes, and events, in addition to our gymnasiums and outdoor fields for sports.
