Closed Springfield church finds new life as community center

A downtown church that closed has found new life as a community center and will host a national comedian in recovery performing to raise money for its substance abuse initiative.

Kay Dodd, a comedian and recovering addict, will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Central Community Center at 102 W. High St., the former Faith United Methodist Church.

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Dodd has opened for several national headliners, including Brian Regan and Jeff Foxworthy. She also performs for women’s groups, conferences and at recovery centers, telling her story of recovery from alcoholism.

In 2016 Dodd received a lifetime achievement award from the National Livin’ on Laughter Gospel Comedy Association.

Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held every day at the center, Coordinator Kent Brooks said. The center is also being opened to people in recovery for speaker jams, an all-day event that includes people talking about recovery.

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Money from the event will be used to support other NA events, Brooks said.

“We’re just trying to let them know that we stand here with them as a support system for them,” Brooks said.

The last service at the Faith United Methodist Church was held July 30. The building remains a part of the Western Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, but is open to the public.

The facility also offers a hot meal to residents each Tuesday at the Central Community Kitchen — the former Rainbow Table, Brooks said.

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“We still feed hundreds every week,” Brooks said. “We’re always seeking volunteers. We never turn down volunteers.”

The community center also serves as the home of several Boy Scouts groups and the Behind the Curtains Dance Studio cheer team. It will also host weddings and other events, Brooks said.

The nonprofit organization is governed by a board of directors that meets monthly, he said.

“We’re open to serve people,” Brooks said. “We’re community-minded and community-based. We want to be a help to everyone.”

The emcee for the comedy event is Springfield native and comedian Dwight McCormick. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door or can be purchased through Eventbrite.com.

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The event sponsored by the Central Community Center, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, CareSource and Clark County Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment and Support Coalition.

For more information, call Brooks at 937-323-7597 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today or e-mail info@centralcommunitycenter.com.

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