Strengthening Families, Building Neighborhoods, Creating Community
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (NCJC) is a community-based, family-centered, human services agency serving Johnson County, Iowa, since 1973. We operate two community centers in Iowa City and provide outreach and programing to an additional five targeted neighborhoods and a dozen schools. Our programs and activities reach over 400 children/youth and 200 adults each day. We employ approximately 85 full-time employees to accomplish our mission. With nearly 60% of our staff identifying as a person of color, our staff reflect the neighborhoods and schools we serve.
Our History
In 1973, residents from the Mark IV Apartments, currently known as Pheasant Ridge, came together out of a concern for their neighborhood.
This group shared a simple desire to create a more peaceful neighborhood. They decided they needed a common space – a neighborhood center – where children could gather for safe and fun after school activities. A place where families could meet and get to know one another.
They approached apartment management and were given the use of a three-bedroom apartment. In October of 1973 Neighborhood Centers was born.