Independent Mail Thursday, April 30, 2009 What was once Westside High School became a building devoid of purpose or life after a tragic shooting
in the school’s parking lot. In 1992, another transformation restored both the building’s dignity and its value to the community when it became the Westside Community Center. Since that time, under the able direction of Bea Thompson, the center has become not just a meeting place but a place where practical help to tackle life’s challenges is readily available, a place where education is once again the focus. Friday it will be the site of the center’s 11th annual fundraiser, a major event to build operating cash and celebrate the past while simultaneously looking toward the future. This year’s goal is $40,000, a tough sell in these economic times. But Thompson is optimistic about both fund-raising potential and the center’s coming days. As well she should be. Since its rebirth from a place of violence it has become a haven, a place where children are cared for while parents work or look for work, where health care and advice are available, where free computer classes are offered, where teen mothers or those with limited incomes receive instruction and encouragement in raising healthy, happy children through the new Nurse-Family Partnership. At Westside, students who might be in danger of dropping out can turn their lives around, and people with disabilities can learn how to obtain and keep a job. A branch of the Anderson County Library system provides story time for children, the Internet and other library services. A division of the City of Anderson Police Department is located at Westside. According to the center’s Web site, the officers have implemented numerous programs and participated in special events with charity groups, schools, churches and civic organizations. A police presence provides information on personal safety, bicycle safety, drug awareness and crime prevention as well as regular patrols of the area.
The mission of Westside Community Center is a simple one: To enhance the quality of life of citizens in the community. It has done that — and more — in its lifetime. Its efforts touch the lives of people of all ages and encourage them to take part in their community, to become active citizens and help others as they have been helped.