aBOUT
In 1942, the Westside Community Center was founded in Asbury Park, New Jersey, as the successor to the Urban League. Rev. John Ashby, Lorenzo W. Harris Sr., Leonard J. Martin, and William Griffin were its founding leaders. Located on Dewitt Ave, its building was the former home of Dr. William J. Parks, a prominent African-American doctor in the community.
The organization was dedicated to the promotion of the moral, spiritual, physical, social, and mental welfare of Asbury Park’s Westside, a predominately African- American community.
Since 2022, WCC Historic Renovation Association INC. has taken on ownership of The Westside Community Center to improve the lives of the youth and families by providing education and resources, health and wellness, leadership and career training.
The Westside’s Decades of Decline
The 1970’s Asbury Park riots marked the beginning of the Westside Community Center’s decline. The preceding flight of Black wealth, especially, left Asbury Park’s Westside community with masses of underrepresented people who lacked the income, wealth, and resources to sustain the crucial mission and vision of the Center.
The subsequent War on Drugs era soon left Asbury Park’s Westside Community and the Westside Community Center hobbled for many years. A once self-sufficient community suddenly fell victim to the scourge of poverty and Bad Governance.
Since 2022, Wcc Historic ReNOVAtion Association Inc. has taken over ownership of The Westside Community Center to restore its glory and prominence.
The REHABILITATION of the Westside
A completely repaired roof on the Westside Community Center’s main building, courtesy of roofing materials donation by AcryLabs. Labor donated by Rory Stout (AcryLabs) & Myzel Frierson (Self-employed Contractor)
Rory Stout (AcryLabs) plastering down the new roof on the Westside Community Center’s main building.
Rory Stout (AcryLabs) cleaning up derbies after a hard days work on the Westside Community Center’s main building.
Rory Stout (AcryLabs) & Myzel Frierson (Self-employed Contractor) gutted old wood panels in the Westside Community Center’s main building and replaced it with new ones.
Why work with us?
Wcc Historic Renovation Association Inc. (Wcc HRA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with over two million dollars of real estate assets under its ownership and management. Led by Felicia Simmons, President, her Executive Board: William Phillips, Ibrahim Mohamed, and her Auxiliary Impact Committee, Wcc HRA has begun work on the complete rehabilitation of our administrative building & cultural center. An estimated $500,000 is needed to complete the rehab, which includes roof repairs, replacement, electrical repairs, and mold remediation. Thanks to donations from AcryLabs, the New Jersey Monmouth Shore Smart Set, and many more beloved community members, substantial work has been done already.
Forming Strategic Alliances
Wcc HRA’s President, Felicia Simmons (left), with Former New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate, Jim Johnson (right), at the inaugural Wcc HRA Community Clean-up.
Leveraging Sweat Equity
Wcc HRA’s Executive Board Member, William Phillips, at the inaugural Wcc HRA community clean-up, helping clear up heavy debris.
Inviting Community Support
Former New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate, Jim Johnson, at the inaugural Wcc HRA community clean-up, volunteering to scrape paint chips from the gymnasium walls.
In 2026, Wcc HRA plans to complete the rehabilitation of both the Historic Westside Community Center’s administrative building & cultural center and establish more recreational and community development programs.
2024-2025 Annual report
Read our most recent annual report, which shares inspiring highlights of our work and the community we serve. We thank all our supporters and partners, who make our work possible.
Interested in Working with Wcc HRA?
support WCC HISTORIC RENOVATION ASSOCIATION INC.
Wcc Historic Renovation Association Inc.
115 Dewitt Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat – Sun: Closed
Contact
wcchrainfo@gmail.com
347-374-1133
Wcc Historic Renovation Association Inc. 