Our Mission

To create a culture of equity and inclusion that transforms the lives of Northside residents and beyond through effective, efficient and quality opportunities.

Our History

The Douglass Community Association, named in honor of Frederick Douglass, was established in 1919 to meet the social, recreational, and cultural needs of African American soldiers stationed at Fort Custer and their families returning to a segregated Kalamazoo after World War I. In 1964, the DCA gained recognition as a social service agency. After operating from various locations within the Northside neighborhood, the Douglass moved to its current facility on W. Paterson in 1982. Throughout its history, the Douglass has been a vital hub for social, recreational, and community development activities, serving individuals in the Northside neighborhood and the broader Kalamazoo community.

Our Core Values

Being a leader in achieving racial equality and social justice

Identifying unmet needs and finding resources and services to meet them within the scope of DCA’s mission

Promoting the positive effects of youth recreational activities on educational achievement and on physical, mental, and spiritual health

The Douglass provides a safe and welcoming environment to the community and serves as a convenient resource hub in the heart of the Northside.

STAFF

Stacey R. Ledbetter, Executive Director 

James Ray, Chief of Staff

Robert Terrentine, Office Manager

Verlanda Shaver, Assistant Office Manager / Assistant Director of Security

Prentis A. Hearn, Administrative Assistant

Bill Alexander II, Director of Facilities & Fleet Management

Toney Paterson II, Custodian

Billy Alexander III, Custodian

Greg Ware, Custodian

Vic Ledbetter II, Director of Programming & Partnerships

Toney Paterson, Youth Resource Specialist

Diana Paterson, Administrative Assistant & Youth Resource Specialist

Charles Parker, Special Programming Consultant

Ma’ky Carroll, Junior Program Assistant

 

BOARD OFFICERS

Dr. Deveta Gardner, Chair

Mark Hill, Vice Chair 

Antonia “Toni” Kennedy, Secretary/Treasurer

Pastor Carl Page, Board Member 

Wendy Fields, Board Member

Gallery & Testimonials

"I am proud to say that I am a product of the Douglass Community Association. I grew up on the Northside of town in Kalamazoo and back in the early 1990s when crack cocaine hit my neighborhood it had an effect on the majority of all the young black boys that I had grown up with."

Raymond Ryan

"Great place for family events. They offer a safe place for Young women to play basketball. You can get help from from other agencies that are housed in the Center"

Alice Taylor

"In short, the Douglass meant a lot to me and many others in my community and I know for certain that without the Douglass, I would probably be dead or in prison."

Damien James

"Great building and a great staff that goes out of its way to help accommodate needs of the community while events are being held!"

Giacomo Scavone

“The Douglass provided many of us an opportunity to stay positive and gave us a place to go to get out of the streets. As a young man I participated in the activities and development programs that the Douglass offered and while attending college the Douglass assisted me in gaining employment.”

Raymond Ryan

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Address

1000 W PATERSON ST
KALAMAZOO, MI 49007

Phone

(269) 343-6185

HOURS

M-F: 8AM - 5PM

S-S: Closed

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