programs, its primary health care services were growing rapidly. As health care took over more and more space the John F. Kennedy Center sought additional space for its human service programs. In August 1977, the agency purchased the house West of the center, located at 2014 Buffalo Road. The WIC program operated from the house until 1990 when it returned to the multi-purpose building.

With the concept of entrepreneurship still in their minds, the John F. Kennedy Centers' Board and Administration continued to explore for-profit ventures. In July 1982, state funding for economic development created the JFK Car Care Center at 1903 Buffalo Road. JFK operated the car wash for two years. For the next 14 years, community residents ran the business. Finally in 1996, the John F. Kennedy Center sold the building. Today, it is still being operated as a hand car wash.

In 1983, through a unique collaboration effort, the John F. Kennedy Center and the General Electric Company's' Elfun Society launched a new for-profit non-metallic machine shop called the JFK Minority Development Corporation (JFK-MDC). Property and buildings at 1842-1858 East 12^th Street were purchased for the business. Today, the JFK Minority Development Corporationon does metallic and non-metallic work for the transportation industry throughout the Eastern United States. This minority owned and operated manufacturing business is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by public authorities in New York City, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. Today, the JFK Minority Development Corporation is housed in the Uniflow Incubator on East Lake Road. JFK-MDC serves two roles. First, is to provide jobs. Second, it provides financial resources to the non-profit entity, the John F. Kennedy Center.

Throughout the 80's the John F. Kennedy Centers' primary health care services continued to grow. Over 4,000 patients were being seen each year in the agency's' outpatient primary care clinic and medical laboratory. In the mid 80's a stress unit, pharmacy, and state-funded maternity services project were added.


In the late 80's health care operating costs soared. JFK could not keep up with patient demand. One full-time physician could not meet the community's needs and yet, the agency could not afford to hire additional doctors. By 1986, JFK began to explore other options for providing health care to the community. Finally, in 1993 after years of negotiations, the John F. Kennedy Center turned over the operations of its primary care clinic to Primary Health Care Services of Northwest Pennsylvania, now Community Health Net.

Since 1993, the John F. Kennedy Center has turned its efforts toward repairs to its aging multi-purpose facility, expansion of its senior center, improvements in its youth services, and a return to its grass roots-outreach and case management. A new roof and updates to the security, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems have been done in the last five years.

In December 1997, the agency completed a $197,000 capital construction project that resulted in a 3,600 square foot addition to house the JFK senior center. This project matched $72,000 in local public grant funds to attract a $125,000 state Department of Ageing grant for senior center capital assistance.

In May 1995, the John F. Kennedy Centers' youth alternative activities and education/information services were licensed as prevention level drug and alcohol by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol Program Licensing.

Today, in March 1999, the John F. Kennedy Center is serving 2,300 unduplicated clients through its senior center, youth drug and alcohol prevention programs, and case management program. During its 30 year history, the John F. Kennedy Center has earned strong support from the state level and local support and identification as a progressive human service organization. At the core of the agency's growth as a viable and needs-responsive community service organization has been the provision of a quality, integrated system of human services.