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A Legacy of Community & Compassion
Founded by purpose-driven individuals, UCC has grown over 114 years into a legacy of empowering communities to thrive. Explore our milestones in service and join us in building a brighter future for Fort Worth.
UCC’s rich history dates back to 1908, rooted in the belief that faith should be lived through community service. Guided by the Methodist Women of Fort Worth, local ministers, and the Women’s Home Mission Society, the Fort Worth City Mission Board was established at First United Methodist Church. With community support, early programs began addressing local needs through Sunday School, prayer meetings, and essential relief services at railroad stops and private homes. In 1909, these efforts led to the opening of UCC’s first center, Wesley House, which became a vital resource for families, offering clubs for mothers and boys, sewing classes, and a reading room. These services laid a strong foundation for UCC’s future growth in serving the community. Over time, Wesley House adapted to meet the evolving needs of its community, setting an inspiring example for additional centers.
1908
The Fort Worth City Mission Board was established at First United Methodist Church by the Methodist Women of Fort Worth, local ministers, and the Women’s Home Mission Society.
1909
Wesley House, UCC’s first center, opened its doors, providing community support through clubs for mothers and boys, sewing classes, and a reading room.
1938
Programming began for a project that evolved into the Bethlehem Center, establishing the first childcare facility west of the Mississippi River specifically designed to support working parents.
1971
Bethlehem Center, Wesley Center, and the now-closed Maddox Center merged to form United Community Centers, Inc., operating under the leadership of a single Executive Director.
1975
UCC officially opened the Polytechnic Center in partnership with the City of Fort Worth to repurpose an abandoned building.
2006
UCC launched a $6.7 million capital campaign to rebuild all three center buildings.
2010
The newly constructed Polytechnic Center opened, marking the first of UCC’s modernized facilities.
2012
UCC’s Afterschool and Summer Enrichment Program evolved into the Enrichment Education Program, which later became the Education Literacy Program. This program now provides a research-based curriculum and individualized support for students in pre-K through 7th grade.
2016
The opening of the new Wesley Center was made possible with support from the City of Fort Worth. Following that, in continued partnership, the City fully funded the new Bethlehem Center, completing United Community Centers' transformation into a network of updated, fully equipped community centers.
