Goodman Community Center

We strengthen lives and secure futures – with your help!

“In these trying times, we really appreciate all the help our community is getting from Goodman. Y'all have always been there!”

The Goodman Center has been here for our community for nearly 70 years, and with you in our corner, we'll be around for another 70 (and then some!). We serve people ages 3 to 103 with our children and youth programs, older adult activities and meals, food pantry, fitness center, event spaces and more. Take a look around and see what we're all about, and then get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.

How to Prepare an Obituary Workshop

We are hosting our first in a series of workshops around legacy planning on August 24. Join Karen Faster as she guides you through how to craft an obituary that will honor the life of your loved one.

Register Now

Letesha Nelson smiles with a group of Goodman Center preschool students.

ilana natasha photography

Be the Good, Madison

We need goodness now more than ever. Join us as we spread kindness throughout our community. #BeTheGoodMSN

Learn More & Share Your Story

Older Adults

Check out what's happening with our Older Adult Program.

Food Pantry

Our pantry is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Children & Teens

Learn more about summer at the Goodman Center for kids ages 3-19.

Eastside News Cover Story

Goodman families enjoy Family Fun Nights

Beth Skogen Photography

GCC Keeps On Dreaming

Goodman Community Center initiatives include family engagement, college and career readiness, DEI.

When Letesha Nelson joined the Goodman Community Center in January 2021 as CEO and executive director, she came in with one mission in mind: learn as much about this organization as she could, as quickly as she could.

Nelson sat down with every staff member to learn about their job, what they loved about Goodman and what they thought Goodman could be doing better. She went hands-on, helping organize meal deliveries and sorting food in the pantry. She visited classrooms and got to know students.

Now over a year later, Nelson not only has a great command of how the Goodman Center works to strengthen lives and secure futures in the Madison community, she also has some big plans for the organization’s future.

“Some days it’s overwhelming,” she said at a recent community chat with Goodman board member Dulce Danel. “I get overwhelmed because there’s so much expertise within these two buildings, and so much commitment from our staff to making sure people feel like this is their place and that they have a voice. We need to make sure we use that expertise to its fullest potential.”