Center Survives, Only at New Location | News

WILLIAMSPORT – An organization in Williamsport that gives seniors and children a sense of community will not have to close after all. It will just be moving.

For years, a group of women has been getting together at The Center on Campbell Street in Williamsport.

Some days they play bingo, other days they make blankets.

Until recently, the organization that runs the senior programs and after school programs for kids was in danger of closing.

That did not sit well with Sharon Cashwell.

“I would miss it desperately. I look forward to coming every week, every week,” said Cashwell.

The Lycoming Housing Authority owns the building and plans to sell. After more than 30 years at the same location, The Center has to move by the end of the week. Cashwell said the potential closing put the younger generation at risk.

“It gives them something to do, they have some place to go, they have structure,” she said.

The Center plans to move to Trinity Episcopal Church on West Fourth Street, just a few blocks from where it is now.

“It is a good feeling to know we’ll be able to continue to serve the community,” said board director Sam Belle.

Folks with The Center hope they can come back to the Campbell Street location once the property is sold.

“It’s coming back here and improving on programs we used to service the community, we realize we’re in a down period right now,” said Belle.