After 20 years of serving the Michiana community at the Monroe Circle Community Center in downtown South Bend, Granger Community Church will be transitioning its food pantry and other ministries to a new location in Mishawaka. The construction timeline and future opening schedule is still in the planning stages. Until the new Community Center is ready, Granger Community Church will continue its commitment to serving guests at the Monroe Circle Community Center. Read the full press release.
Interested in learning more when updates about the Community Center become available? Sign up to be added to an email list.
WANT UPDATES?
Built in the 1900s, the entire South Bend block of 500 Western Avenue was at one time the hub of business, social and spiritual activity. Recently renovated and historically restored, Monroe Circle Community Center (MC3) has quickly become the cornerstone for renewal in this neighborhood.
Our goal? That everyone living in Downtown South Bend and Near West Side will know their value and take steps toward a full and meaningful life. We seek community revival by standing on the front lines of food insecurity, resulting in strong family units, decreased crime rates and deeper understanding of their personal value in Christ. As a whole, our vision is that South Bend be transformed into a vibrant community that cares for, dignifies, equips and guides each other. We want to empower the community so that it is self-initiating, taking ownership and leadership of its continued transformation.
The journey to MC3 started in 2001 when two volunteers from Granger Community Church (GCC) were given permission to mentor children living in the Monroe Circle public housing neighborhood. That program was known as Son City Kids. In 2004, the director of the Ko-Op 65 food pantry asked GCC to help provide food for their pantry next door. Volunteers began helping with providing food and other small rehab jobs that the building desperately needed. In December of that year, Ko-Op 65 offered to sell the pantry to GCC for one dollar. In January 2005, GCC took over the pantry and began the effort to acquire all three adjoining buildings. Through donated funds, labor, gifts “in kind,” and other community and business partnerships, MC3 was renovated and historically restored in 2007.
HOW WE SERVE
FOOD PANTRY
At the Food Pantry, neighbors can select their own items and receive fresh and frozen foods to help offset potential financial challenges each month. Neighbors are encouraged to enjoy the café atmosphere where they can connect with friends, pray with people who care, be served by friendly volunteers and receive food. If you love people, consider volunteering in this highly-relational ministry.