GMVCC Beginnings - 1976

The Greater Maple Valley Community Center was incorporated in February, 1976 by area citizens who recognized a need to consolidate some existing services into a central community facility serving the communities of Maple Valley, Hobart, Ravensdale and unincorporated King County within the Tahoma School District boundaries. In 1978 an agreement was negotiated with HUD and King County Parks for use of 2 acres located within Lake Wilderness Park. A renewable lease was negotiated for the establishment of a facility. The Center was built in 1979 with primary capital funding coming from CDBG, BEGNF and a variety of other corporate and foundation sources. A youth program, a senior program, public health services, and a food bank were part of the services offered at the site.

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The Early Years 1980 - 1989

In 1983, an additional CDBG grant provided for expansion of the facility. In 1985, the agency was granted member agency status with United Way of King County. GMVCC also began to receive operating support from King County Aging Services and King County Youth Services. Current funding sources include: United Way of King County, King County Aging Program, King County Youth and Family Services Program, and the City of Maple Valley. Funds are also received from foundations, local businesses, individuals, and fundraisers.

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Expanding Programs 1990 - 1999

In 1992 the agency began to devote more resources to developing prevention and family support programs. The Food Bank agency acquired its own facility and relocated its services. In 1993 the agency assumed responsibility for managing the senior program (which had been operated by an outside agency). In 1996 the agency discontinued its counseling program and is providing office space to another United Way agency specializing in mental health services. Due to a reorganization of the King County Public Health Department, WIC, immunizations and nursing services offered at the satellite clinic were discontinued in 1999.

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GMVCC Today

In January, 2008 The Den Youth Center at GMVCC opened for local area students entering 6th - 12th grades. In 2013, we installed an emergency generator to allow the Community Center to serve as an meeting location in the event of a severe power outage.  Our contract with the American Red Cross will cede control of the facility to that agency should there be a regional outage for an extended amount of time.  We added air conditioning in 2018 which, in conjunction with our emergency generator, enables us to serve as both a warming and a cooling center.

 

Currently, the agency's scope of programming is intergenerational, based on a model of strength and prevention. Included are family, youth, and senior adult programs, including substance abuse/youth violence prevention and coordination of related community mobilization efforts. The facility is utilized by many community organizations including the Covington Quilters, Foster Champs, AA, IACS and various other parent support groups.

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The Center updated our mission statement in 2023 to better reflect our current position in the community.  The new mission statement reads, “The Greater Maple Valley Community Center provides an enduring facility that serves as an inclusive community hub, hosting programs and services that increase the opportunity for connections, engagement, and growth for greater Maple Valley.”