The Berean Community Center (BCC) was founded in 2015 by a core group of dedicated members, following the model established by Berean Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY to develop a center as a means of community outreach as well as to respond to the needs of the members of Berean Baptist Church Raleigh and the surrounding community. BCC was launched under the leadership of its first Executive Director, Yasmeen A. Benton (2015-2018).
Supporting the Community
BCC’s programs aim to support academic achievement, physical, mental health and wellness, food security, social justice, entrepreneurship and economic development.
BCC has been able to offer programs and access to resources and services through community collaborative efforts and partnerships with organizations including McGuire Woods LLP, Wake County Human Services (Millbrook), Wake County Public Schools, Millbrook Elementary School, Wake Up and Read, Raleigh Rescue Mission, Green Road Community Center, Green Road Library.
Berean Community Center looks forward to continued growth and development.
Hunt for Success
Since 2015, BCC has supported academic achievement through the Hunt for Success program providing over 2,845 backpacks filled with school supplies as well as providing literacy and community resources for students to be successful in school. Over 300 individuals participated in the Read, Write, Run 5Kwhich encouraged a healthy and active lifestyle and raised awareness of the importance of access to tools that promote literacy for all children.
The proceeds from Read, Write, Run 5K went toward providing backpacks and school supplies for children at neighboring Millbrook community schools.
Be Fit
Through the Be Fit program the center sponsored an annual temple cleanse emphasizing holistic care and wellbeing. Funds raised by the center’s School Lunch Campaign provided financial assistance to community schools for children receiving reduced lunches.
In 2019 BCC participated in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) as a summer feeding site providing free healthy meals to children and teens in low-income areas during the summer months when school is not in session.
Our Christmas Drive provided 40 families, 100 children with assistance during the holidays.
Abolition Day
BCC’s support of the national initiative to recognize the religious and historical importance of the date on which legal slavery ended in America – December 6, 1865 – “Abolition Day.” The Center sponsors annual programs around Abolition Day to give God praise for delivering us from slavery in America. The Center also supported President Barack Obama’s Proclamation recognizing the 150th Anniversary of Abolition Day in 2015.
Berean Community Center’s emphasis on social justice also included sponsoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Remembrance and Celebration.
It Takes a Village
The center promoted cultural awareness through events such as It Takes a Village, a global impact event that is designed to enhance the center’s international footprint and support the local community. Cultural educational awareness events recognizing Black History & Hispanic Heritage months. And Community forums and seminars geared towards entrepreneurship & building generational wealth.
