The Action Center has been helping members of our community for more than half a century. In recent years the number of people who need the Center’s help has escalated significantly. Since 2019, they have seen a 300% increase in requests for assistance with employment, food, utilities and housing. To meet that need, The Action Center stretched their capacity and now serves more than 60,000 families a year. But even that is not enough.
To address urgent and escalating needs in Jefferson County, The Action Center will create a new, dynamic community center that provides health and supportive services from multiple organizations, capitalizing on the unique strengths of each. They will bring Partner organizations together at The Commons at Emory, a repurposed elementary school-107,000 square feet that will become both a service place and a community space.
The combination of services within a community center is a radically more powerful way to interrupt the cycle of poverty and help our community members reach for better lives.
How can you help?
Support the Purchase of the School by the Action Center: The Lakewood City Council will be voting on the purchase of the school by the Action Center on October 27, 2025.
- Send letters to Lakewood City Council members if you live in Lakewood. Tell them you support the purchase of Emory Elementary by the Action Center. Don’t know who your council member is? Here is the link: Who is my City Councilor.
- Comment in support of the agenda item on the Lakewood Speaks platform by October 27th. This will be available mid-October.
- Attend and speak in person at the October 27 Council meeting. Instructions on how to do this will follow.
There will be an informational meeting held via zoom on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:30 pm. Pam Brier, the Action Center’s Executive Director, will be on the call to explain the project, answer any questions, and hopefully win your support. Save the date, and save the Zoom link below!
Click HERE for the Zoom link to this meeting on Tuesday, October 21, at 6:30 pm.
