Planning for the Northwest Crescent Center began in December 1997.  The center was developed through the initial hard work and energy of four community partners:  Furman University, The Greenville Hospital System Children's Hospital, the School District of Greenville County, and United Way of Greenville County's Success By 6 initiative. These four partners believed that the way to improve the school readiness of children entering first grade living in the northwest textile mill crescent was by joining forces, and making improvements to programs closer to where people lived.  Their efforts have resulted in the formation and on-going development of a model child development and family learning center.  Since then, Northwest Crescent Center programs and services have had a major positive impact on the people and neighborhoods that surround it.  These neighborhoods include Furman/San Souci, Union Bleachery, and Berea.  All places that were once strong textile based communities.

From the beginning, the center has been a catalyst for change and growth, beginning a process of both neighborhood improvement and human development.  Located in the former Arrington Elementary School, the school district early on decided to preserve this old elementary school, a decision that has had an important economic effect on property values and home ownership in the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as on quality of life of residents who live close-by.  If the school building had been closed or sold, the resulting impact would have exacerbated a trend common in other parts of the county, namely, an increase in rental properties and a declining numbers of home owners.

With extensive community input and coordinated planning, committees comprised of neighborhood residents, leaders, and students have helped develop a mix of high quality education and agency programs tailored to the needs and lives of people living in the surrounding neighborhoods.  These community volunteers helped preserve and improve the former Arrington building. Instead of lapsing into dereliction or being demolished, efforts to beautify the outside physical appearance and expand public services have been tremendously successful as measured by increased percentages of children testing ready for first grade, increasing numbers of adults achieving a GED or learning English, the provision of needed medical services as well as the cross utilization of varying agency services. 

In addition to physical improvements, the heart of the center brings together a mix of established community programs and partners.  Programs are tailored to meet neighborhood human development needs beyond education.  For example, the Northwest Crescent Center offers full medical services through the leadership of the Greenville Free Medical Clinic, New Horizon Family Health Services, the Greenville County Health Department, and St. Francis Health System.   

The positive psychological impact that the Northwest Crescent Center has had on the surrounding neighborhoods is incalculable.   Homeowners and realtors have repeatedly expressed their appreciation for exterior beautification efforts and communication about projects and programs.  For example, the removal of a 910 foot rusted chain-link fence and three broken gates dramatically altered the physical appearance of the center along North Franklin Road.  In its place, 21 new Maple trees were planted.  Similarly, the additions of a new parking lot, fresh paint in- and outside of buildings, new signage, and other efforts have improved the look and feel of the center.  Wooden flower and vegetable garden beds, as well as park benches now flank main entrances and classrooms.  In the main building, a large mural of an English teagarden scene was added to greet visitors, parents and students.  Home furnishings, such as couches, wicker furniture and floor lamps changed the institutional feel, changing a sterile school environment to warm and inviting place. The center has been transformed from an antiquated, old building into a warm, inviting learning oasis. In October 2005, Greenville County Schools opened a new 29,000 sq. ft. building at the center to house school programs and long term leases were given by the school district to SHARE Head Start, and the Greenville Literacy Association, solidifying the Center for the future.

Core programs:  the center combines health and human services in the preschool educational setting.   Following is a brief overview describing the main programs and services:

• Four-Year-Old Kindergarten
• Preschool Special Educational Services, including speech and language therapy
• Parent Education - Parents As Teachers (PAT), home visits, parent meetings and workshops
• Family Literacy/GED - students utilize a program called EFF (Equip For the Future) that stresses the importance real world knowledge and GED preparation, and includes as a primary component on-site childcare for infants and toddlers
• English As a Second Language (ESL) - English instruction, with free on-site childcare
• Greenville Literacy Association - tutoring for basic literacy instruction, workplace literacy and ESL classes
• Head Start - four classes; a comprehensive child development program for three- and four-year-olds
• Health Care - Greenville Hospital System, Greenville County Health Department, Greenville Free Medical Clinic, and St. Francis Health System, including WIC enrollments, nutritional food vouchers, well-child check-ups, immunizations; full health services for adults without insurance; free screenings for the public including glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure
• Senior Programming - Senior's Choice, a homegrown culturally enriching program for area senior citizens.  Includese exercise classes, activities, workshops, speakers and hot lunch for seniors and retirees

Come visit us!