ECAC is the realization of a vision that has been many years in the making. It was formed for the purpose of providing a gathering space for activities such as pot luck dinners, games, meetings, book clubs, discussions, and social gatherings where people in the neighborhood could network and get to know each other. It is a place to learn traditional arts – dance, martial arts, and crafts, not just as exercise, but as a way of learning about other cultures, histories and philosophies. It is a place to find support for crisis or difficult life issues, or just have someone to talk to. It is a place to learn from each other, to help each other, to share our resources and our vision as a community. It is open to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, economic situations or disabilities, yet everyone is expected to make a contribution, no matter how small, of money, time, or ideas. Even prior to opening in December 2005, ECAC was a unifying force within the community. Over 650 volunteer hours were contributed towards demolition and trash removal. A Native American blessing of the building in January attended by friends and neighbors helped build a spiritual foundation for the work to be done. We began researching the history of the building, the neighborhood and the people in order to create an archive accessible to the residents of the community. Even before our doors opened, we had many success stories to tell. Now in 2007, ECAC is here as a testament to those who walked before us, those who are just finding the path, and those who will relieve us when we grow old. |
