Melody Bless's Contact Details

Melody Bless's Company Details

Who We AreOur StoryA history of empowerment and partnerships * Mid-1970s: Wexford Ridge residents organized what would come to be called the Wexford Ridge Community Association (WRCA). * Between 1978-1981: Volunteers created a neighborhood center in a vacant townhouse to provide children's activities, food assistance, and employment assistance for adults. Nearby community agencies provided services, and other long-standing partnerships were formed with area churches and the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). * 1994: WRNC became a member of United Neighborhood Centers. WRNC hired a part-time director and operated out of two converted apartments in the Wexford Ridge complex. * 1999: Upon the dissolution of United Neighborhood Centers in 1998, WRNC became an independent non-profit. * 2001 - 2004: Residents and supporters from surrounding neighborhoods, nearby churches, local service clubs, and friends from the schools came together to discuss building a "real" community center on the West side. Negotiations were held with the school district, city staff, and elected officials. Legislation was signed by Governor Doyle enabling in a 45-year partnership agreement and lease between WRNC and MMSD to build the Lussier Community Education Center. The Mayor of Madison, for the first time in city history, pledged city capital funds to a private community facility. * Today: The Lussier Community Education Center is complete and an integral part of Madison's West Side! A decade's worth of rich history and goodwill with the public schools surrounding WRNC plus an extensive community consultation process prepared us for building the LCEC at 55 Gammon Road, on school-owned land adjacent to Jefferson Middle School and Memorial High School.