How one historic center is striving to strengthen the West Chester community

One organization is making a big difference in the West Chester area.

The Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center is a non-profit center that strives to enhance the quality of life for all individuals in the greater West Chester community by upholding its longstanding commitment to delivering educational, recreational, cultural, and civic services.

Founded in 1934, the center has long been a place for personal, professional, cultural, and spiritual growth.

The center, formally known as West Chester Community Center, was renamed after Charles A. Melton, an activist and executive director of the center from 1966 to 1980. 

In addition to leading the center, Melton served as a teacher, coach, counselor, disciplinarian, friend and spokesman for the Black community during challenging times.

Today, the center continues Melton’s legacy by offering low-cost or free programs, ranging from educational initiatives to a summer basketball league and a STEM camp. 

The community also utilizes the center as rental space for family gatherings, sporting and community events; an after-school program for elementary and middle-school-aged youth; and, currently, it is the home for two church programs from different denominations.

Recently, NBC10, Telemundo62, and Comcast NBCUniversal announced that $227,272 has been awarded to six local nonprofit organizations through the 2025 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants.

 The Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center was one of the recipients, receiving $51,172.

NBC10 recently spoke with the executive director and director of development of the center to discuss the work they do and how the funding will help support their mission of helping people in the community.