Reducing Barriers
to Success
Through Education and Empowerment
About
The Community Center @ AFC is an outreach ministry of the people of Anderson First Church of the Nazarene, who want to make a difference in Madison County.
It is our desire to create a radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization, all the while, encouraging growth of our relationships with each other.
We have a desire to be actively serving the entire community, sharing hope, bridging gaps, and building a better Anderson.
5 Core Pillars
A radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization, all the while, encouraging growth of our relationships with each other.
- Indoor Play Spaces*
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coffee Shop
- Community Events
- Movie Nights
*Coming Soon
Partnership with community businesses and community leaders to help empower our neighborhood by offering a variety of transformational classes, learning opportunities, and life skills.
- Tutoring
- Entrepreneurship Classes
- Financial Literacy
- ESL Classes
- Job Preparation
Full restoration of our community through encouragement of one another, focusing on one vision and living in peace with one another.
- Clothes Closet
- Neighborhood revitalization
- Lawn Care Co-op
- Community Clean-ups
- Senior Citizen Programs
- Shower Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
- Transportation
An environment that builds a healthy community through education and meeting the needs of our neighbors.
- Giving Essentials
- Community Garden
- Fresh Produce Pantry
- Meals
- Health Classes
- Flu Shots
- Transportation to Dr. Appointments
We aim at being informed and implementing the best practices for each area of service we provide. We strive to use our resources to ensure the safest encounters for both the people we serve and those who serve.
- Smoke Detector Program
- Neighborhood & Crime Watch
- Warming & Cooling Stations
COMING THIS FALL! Make Heaven Bigger by Caring Better!
What is 'Make Heaven Bigger by Caring Better'?
‘Make Heaven Bigger by Caring Better’ originated as a theme for the AFCNAZYTH in 2023 as part of the lesson series for the year. We have established that how we do that is 1.) by the blood of the lamb, meaning Jesus, and 2.) the word of our testimony. We have been walking through different scriptures since then to bolster this thought and challenge our students.
What is the youth center & programming giving initiative?
In May 2023, a private donor stepped forward and toured the Community Center facilities. After the Lord impressed it upon their heart, the question of how to continue the mission of the Community Center was asked. Our lead Pastor, Dr. Joe Dagostino, had been discussing with Pastor Joey, our youth pastor, on how to better serve the youth in our community better. The drive behind this initiative is to create a safe and clean space dedicated to investing in youth through academic, artistic, and athletic programming.
This private donor has committed up to $150,000 in matching funds for a total impact of $300,000 to use for this project. The plan (pictured above) is to renovate the current gym into a state-of-the-art youth center equipped with features to support youth programming. It will be developed from a gymnasium into a two-story facility with several classrooms to house different groups. Additionally, this initiative will cover minor renovations to the children’s wing and nursery to be able to house what is known as the ‘Family Life’ wing of the church more comfortably.
Current proposed programming includes the following:
- Academic Coaching
- Study Tables
- Bible Studies
- Boxing
- Martial Arts
- Theatre
- Instrumental Lessons
- eSports
- Agricultural Work
This is an initiative by AFC and the Community Center and not meant to be a campaign. There are no pledge cards. There are no mailers. We are simply asking individuals who have a burden on their heart for the youth of Anderson, Madison Co., and central Indiana to consider what they might be able to give to make this dream a reality.
To give, simply click the link below:
What's located inside The Community Center?
What is The PLAYZONE?
The PLAYZONE is a MASSIVE (that’s not an exaggeration!) playcenter located inside the Community Center @ AFC. It is 40 feet long, 27 feet wide and 24 feet high. There are 5 levels that offer amazing slides, climbing and more!! You’ve got to check it out…seeing is believing!!
Adults…make sure you bring government issued ID. It is required.
PLAYZONE
The PLAYZONE is the largest area of the playcenter. It is rated for kiddos aged 2-12…and they will love it!
ROCK-CLIMBING ZONE
Inside of the PLAYZONE area, there is a rock-climbing wall! Get the kiddos’ adrenaline pumping as they test their climbing skills.
PRESCHOOL ZONE
The PRESCHOOL ZONE is a small area inside of the PLAYZONE that is geared for the younger kiddos.
SPORT COURT ZONE
Check out fenced in court outside with a basketball court and pickleball court. This area will also be used for corn hole tournaments and more. Check out equipment at the Luna Coffee Shop!
Luna Coffee Bar…an out of this world coffee experience!
OPEN TUESDAY THRU FRIDAY 10am-4pm
Like a great cup of coffee? Stop by the LUNA COFFEE BAR located inside the Community Center @ AFC. We believe in more than just serving a great cup of coffee. We believe in making a difference in the lives of others.
By purchasing a cup of coffee from LUNA COFFEE, you are supporting missions around the world.
HOW DOES THAT WORK?
MARANATHA COFFEE.
At LUNA COFFEE, we have searched all over the world and have found a delicious roaster right here in Madison County!! Maranatha Coffee is known all over for their delicious blends. We have developed a special roast just for LUNA COFFEE. Give it a try, we know you’ll be back for more!
By purchasing a cup of coffee at Luna Coffee you are able to support missions around the world. Maranatha coffee was founded “To provide meaningful support to those living in the margin by sharing the margins generated through the production of the Freshest Best Tasting Coffee.”
DRINK COFFEE. HELP OTHERS.
Maranatha Coffee has been funding world wide missions around the world. Ministries funded have included Freedom International Ministries and projects such as constructing water lines to bring fresh water to the Maasai people in east Africa.
Make sure you check out future ministries that will be funded as you visit us!
HELP YOURSELF.
Everyone likes to save money, right? While we offering a 10% discount everyday to our Active Military and Veterans, we will also have special days where we offer special promotions to others within the community. Please like the Community Center @ AFC Facebook page to keep up to date on these promotions. Watch for us to offer days especially for our first responders, healthcare workers, teachers and more!
Life Recovery Group
No need to sign up...just show up! / Wednesday nights at 7:15pm
We believe everyone can benefit from a Life Recovery experience. We all have struggles in life; struggles with addictions, food, depression, anxiety, and relationships to name a few. But we approach recovery from different angles. Some want a formal recovery meeting with a traditional recovery experience. Others want a recovery experience in a small informal group, or in an existing group they are already comfortable with at their church. And some may prefer learning about recovery at their own pace before jumping into a group or meeting experience. This is the beauty of Life Recovery. Unlike other Christian recovery approaches that mandate how and where their recovery ministry can be employed, Life Recovery brings Christian recovery to you – right where you’re at.
The Twelve Steps of Life Recovery are a set of biblical principles in addiction treatment that outline a course of action for tackling problems such as drug and alcohol addiction, overeating, sex addiction, and more. There are 12 Christian Foundations that Life Recovery is based on.
Party time!
Have your next birthday party at the PLAYZONE!
NO DATES REMAINING IN 2023!
The BIG GIVE
Check out this budget stretcher tool available to the community!
Anderson First Church of the Nazarene and The Community Center @ AFC is revamping our essentials ministry serving the community. The essentials give away will be known as The BIG GIVE.
Appointments will no longer be necessary.
Instead, we will be open ONCE a month to serve the community. We will be open on the second Monday of each month from 10am-6pm starting August 2023.
We would like to thank you for your patience in this time of reorganization.
The BIG GIVE’s purpose is to be a budget stretcher. We believe that by helping our neighbors with essential items, that it will help free up funds for them that they can then use for rent, food, utilities etc. The BIG GIVE provides paper products, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and more to those in need in our community.
We would especially like to thank our army of AWESOME volunteers who work a tremendous amount of hours to make a difference in the community. You are loved and appreciated!
Blessings,
Dr. Joseph Dagostino III and AFC Staff
The BIG GIVE dates for 2023
- October 9
- November 13
- December 11
Clothes Closet
The AFC Clothes Closet is a ministry that takes the no longer useful and turns it into the gratefully used clothing. We share gently used, in style, clothing with our neighbors. Everyone is invited to be part of this ministry and can select 2 outfits. The Clothes Closet is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am-3pm. No appointments are necessary.
Have clothing to donate?
We are grateful for donations from the community to help clothe others. You can drop them off at the Community Center during open hours.
Please make sure your donations are:
- in style
- in season
- clean
- no rips, tears or missing buttons
Community Center News!
Thank You, Students from A.P.A!
We send out a HUGE thank you to the students from A.P.A. who blessed The Community Center and our neighborhood with their service! When we work together, BIG things can happen!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!
Upcoming Events & Closures
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT CONFERENCE
The Leadership Team
Dagostino IIIOverseer
CaplingerBoard of Directors
CannonBoard of Directors
Partners
Thank You for your Partnership!
Get Involved
Donate
When donating, please select “AFC Community Center/Building Fund.”
Be the Change
Volunteer
Ready to use your skills to help build the community? We have service opportunities for every skill set.
