Goodman Community Center | About

About the Goodman Community Center

We've been working to strengthen lives and secure futures since 1954.

GCC CEO Letesha Nelson wearing a blue dress and standing in front of the Brassworks building entrance.

I'm so happy you're here...

"The Goodman Center is a special place, and whether you're an old friend or someone discovering us for the first time, I'm glad you're part of our community." –Letesha Nelson, Goodman President

READ LETESHA'S LATEST LETTER

Our Story

Back in 1954, we opened as the Atwood Community Center in a humble building on Atwood Avenue, offering programs for children and older adults in the neighborhood. It wasn’t until thirty-some years later, when Becky Steinhoff became the director, that the center began decades of exponential growth — adding, expanding and improving programs to respond to the changing needs of our community. Ultimately, the center was transformed into the Goodman Community Center, a cherished community resource with two big, beautiful buildings — Ironworks and Brassworks.

When people visit us the first time, they are often wowed by our buildings, but it’s what happens here every day that is the truly remarkable story. Today, under the leadership of Letesha Nelson, we offer many innovative, research-based programs. We help preschool kiddos through teens develop skills to confidently navigate school and life. Older adults stay healthy and connected with nutritious meals and activities. And there is always a mix of ongoing and one-time events to support and enrich adults, parents and families. Friends and families, businesses and organizations, and people from throughout the Greater Madison area gather in our community rooms for celebrations, meetings and classes. And we offer our community healthy food, fun and fitness through our food pantry, gym, fitness center and outdoor splash pad. It’s a vibrant hub of activity. All day. Every day.

And we’re always grateful. Goodman is the special place it is because of the diverse community of people who make us strong — program participants and their families, visitors and volunteers, staff and supporters. Together, we make each other’s lives richer — in the ways that matter most.

Goodman Community Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Our Mission & Values

Everything we hold dear in one place. Read more about our mission, vision, and core values: The Goodman Six.

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Our campus is composed of two beautiful historic buildings with rich stories of their own.

Take an aerial tour of our campus

Thanks to Kennedy Aerial Productions for capturing GCC from above. Every new view gives us something else to love about this community.