Our Mission
KHCC embraces and empowers community — from cradle through career — to develop passions and potential, and build durable pathways towards purpose, prosperity and well-being.
Our Five Divisions
Early Childhood Services
Our early childhood programs provide children from birth to age 5 with nurturing, educational environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We also help parents develop skills to become effective caregivers and create supportive home environments.
Youth Services
We provide a safe, welcoming environment during after-school hours where young people can socialize, learn, and grow — from elementary school through young adulthood.
Adult & Family Services
We provide a range of services and supports to adults and families that help break generational cycles of abuse, neglect, and poverty — through intervention, education, and care.
Nutrition & Food Access
Participants across all programs receive nutrition education and the opportunity to grow their own food. We operate a food pantry twice a week and offer 30 community garden plots for families to grow their own vegetables.
KHCConnect
Our unique case management unit screens all KHCC participants for unaddressed needs and provides coordinated assistance through referrals, intensive case management, and educational workshops. KHCConnect has become a critical part of how we serve families.
From cradle through career — KHCC is here for every stage of your journey.
Explore All Programs →Our History
The Kingsbridge Heights Community Center was founded in 1974 by a group of passionate community organizers — led by three neighborhood women who refused to let a historic building go to waste.
Upon hearing in 1972 that the 50th Precinct was moving out of its turn-of-the-century building on Kingsbridge Terrace, they seized the opportunity to realize their vision for a community center.
Our Founders
Mary McLoughlin
Co-Founder, 1974
Patricia Burns
Co-Founder, 1974
Janet Athanasidy
Co-Founder, 1974
How It Happened
The three founders learn that the 50th Precinct is vacating its historic turn-of-the-century building on Kingsbridge Terrace — and begin writing a campaign to convince City Hall to give the building to the community.
Through the support of Assemblyman Oliver Koppell, Borough President Robert Abrams, and other community leaders, the building is officially secured on December 27th, 1974. Extensive renovations begin immediately.
KHCC opens its doors in the spring of 1975 with a Teen Program, a Head Start Program, and a budget of $500,000 to continue renovating the facility. While work proceeds, programs are offered in neighborhood parks, churches, and other community spaces.
As the revitalized building comes together, the vision expands — modeled after the great New York settlement houses, KHCC grows to provide educational and cultural activities for all community residents. A professional staff is hired and expanded as resources become available.
Today, KHCC offers programs and services for all ages and is an active member of United Neighborhood Houses of New York City. From the adaptive reuse of our historic landmark building to our responsive programs, KHCC remains a crucial piece of the fabric of New York City.