Western Avenue Youth Programs

Western Avenue Youth Programs offers activities that include basketball, baseball, enrichment programs, leadership classes, field trips, homework help, and mentoring sessions. The after-school program includes an after-school snack and support from trained staff and volunteers, and the mentoring program separates youth by genders to discuss life skills, building confidence, and setting goals. The basketball and baseball programs both focus on fundamental skills, with basketball using the tag line “More than Basketball.”

• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: Carle Mobile Clinic available the second and fourth Thursday of every month, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm
• Price: The Willie Brown Summer Leadership program is a free program.

Western Avenue Youth Programs are part of Western Avenue Community Center, which opened in 1926 and has been making a difference on Bloomington’s west side for over 95 years. The Willie Brown Summer Leadership program is named in honor of Willie Brown, is based on five pillars (responsibility, accountability, integrity, leadership, and service), is offered to 30 students within the Bloomington–Normal school districts, and includes one week on the ISU campus where participants learn STEM projects and other programs. The mentoring groups give youth a voice and offer opportunities for self-discovery. Youth Programs work to empower individuals and provide a safe space for children to learn and have fun.

Western Avenue Community Center will be one of the stops for the Carle Mobile Health Clinic, a 40-foot mobile clinic providing full-service medical care for infants, children, and adults in Bloomington’s west side and surrounding areas. Western Avenue Community Center offers free, non-perishable food boxes to individuals and families of any size and income, supported through a strong partnership with the Tinervin Family Foundation. The Willie Brown Summer Leadership program is in partnership with ISU, and collaborations with many community partners advise the members on topics such as proper etiquette, hygiene, healthy eating, and self-respect. Today Western Avenue Community Center serves more than 2,000 families per year in the community. The mission of Western Avenue Community Center is to be a trusted place of safety and hope that supports the community by providing educational, recreational, and health resources.

Last updated January 13, 2026.