Northeast Community Center (NECC-KC)

Individual and Family ServicesMissouri, United States11-50 Employees

The Northeast Community Center has a long history of community outreach to the families and children in Northeast Kansas City.  In 1908 the Italian Mission was created in Kansas City to support the increased numbers of Italian Immigrants entering the city. Dr. John Bisceglia was brought to the area to direct the Mission. With donated funds, he was able to build Christ Presbyterian Church on the property and for years the Center and Church worked in affiliation with each other to fulfill the needs of the neighborhood.  They provided everything from child care and medical treatment to English lessons and youth development, emphasizing education and culture along the way. 

Over the years the population of the Northeast has changed, but the needs remain the same.  Following the death of Dr. Bisceglia in 1988, his son-in-law the Honorable Charles Shangler revitalized the Center with extraordinary works of art and history. He provided Italian lessons, programs in cooking, in art and held performances of opera and music for the multicultural community gatherings.  After retiring from the Court of Appeals, Judge Shangler opened a Charter School in 1999.  It was called Scuola Vita Nuova, “School of New Life” which emphasized the cultural arts.  The school flourished and moved to larger quarters two blocks from the Center in July of 2014. NECC wants to continue to be a force in the neighborhood in helping students bridge that ever-widening gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children.  Therefore we have launched “Harmony Project KC” as a new affiliate of the LA organization.  It is a free after-school music education program with instrumental instruction.This program will be available to children and families willing to commit to practice, care for instruments and attend classes.  In addition, NECC will make available tutoring assistance as needed and social service referrals for further family assistance, creating a full youth development experience.

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