THE WRK GROUP PARTNERSHIP

Formed in 2017, REACH Riverside Development Corporation (REACH) is working to transform the Riverside neighborhood into a robust, healthy, and vibrant community. Acting as the “community quarterback”, REACH employs a holistic approach described in the Purpose Built Community Model.

In 2018, the WRK Group was created to accelerate the redevelopment of Riverside and surrounding areas of Northeast Wilmington. An alliance with shared operating services agreements between REACH, Kingswood Community Center (KCC) and The Warehouse (TWH), the WRK Group leverages the unique assets and expertise of each organization: REACH leading overall redevelopment strategy; KCC as a trusted community hub for social service delivery; and TWH as a safe place where teens can explore, learn, and develop the skills needed to be successful in school, work, and life.

Additional partners include the Wilmington Housing Authority and the EastSide Charter School.

The Warehouse is a place for teens created by teens that provides after school programming and a second home for local communities youth. The Warehouse opened in 2020 and provides youth ages 13-24 opportunities for academic and recreational enrichment and career development in preparation for life beyond high school. The mission of The Warehouse is to create a collaborative culture to revolutionize teen engagement. The Warehouse programming works to eliminate barriers to success in education and employment, as well as create wellloved spaces for building relationships and trust within the community.

The Warehouse is a place for teens created by teens that provides after school programming and a second home for local to the communities’ youth. The Warehouse opened in 2020 and provides youth ages 13-24 opportunities for academic and recreational enrichment and career development in preparation for life beyond high school. The mission of The Warehouse is to create a collaborative culture to revolutionize teen engagement. The Warehouse programming works to eliminate barriers to success in education and employment, as well as create wellloved spaces for building relationships and trust within the community.

The story of Kingswood’s beginning dates back to 1946 when a group of residents asked the Kingswood United Methodist Church to open its doors to local youth. Like today, families were interested in diverting young people from idle time by giving them opportunities for organized recreation. By 1956, the programs had outgrown the original church space at 14th and Claymont Streets. With funding from local foundations and philanthropists, KCC was erected at its current location in 1958. Since that time, the center has implemented its mission through the creation of programs driven by community needs. Signature programs include the Early Learning Center; after school programming for elementary and middle school aged children and teens; counseling support for residents; and a senior center for elders.

KCC has outgrown its aging facility; the current 17,494 square foot building is no longer adequate for the current programs, let alone able to support growing demand and the ambitious REACH Riverside community redevelopment plan.

A new Kingswood Community Center will be the centerpiece of Riverside revitalization, creating a tangible and meaningful structure that will catalyze this community’s transformation. Expanded programs and new amenities are urgently needed. With resident input, the team has developed a new building program and site design which includes: y An expanded, Kingswood Early Learning Academy (ELA) that will serve up to 150 children (6 weeks to 5 years). The ELA will be a fundamental building block of the comprehensive community transformation. y Multi-purpose community space for performances, community gatherings, and programs. y A larger commercial kitchen to support the number of children and adults served. y Fitness areas including a gym, basketball courts, exercise rooms and changing rooms. y An expanded Senior Center with a large lounge area, activity rooms, and a covered outdoor porch. y Offices and conference rooms for staff. y ChristianaCare health resource center integrated with the Coker Family Resource Center providing primary health, services, health screenings and referrals.