Causes: Human Services, Neighborhood Centers

Mission: The sonoma community center exists to enrich the lives of the people of sonoma valley by fostering a broad range of cultural, educational, recreational and community service activities. It also strives to preserve and restore our historic building and to provide affordable space for community activities.

Programs: Founded in 1953, the sonoma community center has been the sonoma valley's major cultural hub, providing a broad range of programs. While the program is arts-based, the center is also involved in environmental education programming and traditional special events. The center sponsors programs in drawing, painting, pottery and ceramics, theater, music and more. Scholarships are provided, with awards based on financial need. A free holiday dinner is provided on thanksgiving, prepared by staff and volunteers. A water wise garden is used for educational demonstrations. The center also provides space and support for organizations that provide valuable programs, such as alcoholics anonymous and red cross blood drives. Since its inception, the community center has incubated many of the valleys non-profit organizations, providing them with the support they needed to become self-sustaining. The centers home, the old sonoma grammar school, was built in 1915 and has been designated as a national historic landmark.