Our Programs
Padua Center provides a number of programs to fulfill the needs of the community we serve.
Hospitality
Throughout the day, Padua Center reflects the Gospel value of hospitality. Each morning, the center serves coffee and donuts to those who come to its doors. Through conversation, we nurture friendships, discuss goals, and formulate dreams for the future. Informal networking is essential in developing a strong membership base.
After School Tutoring
The Padua Center offers tutoring to children in grades K-6. Three classrooms, an indoor greenhouse and the Kuumba activity room give the children plenty of space for their activities. Children arrive from school; have a snack, and brief play-time. Then they receive an hour of homework assistance and tutoring. Children bring work from school and receive assistance from one of the eight volunteer tutors.
Brighten Up Community Organizing
Funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Brighten Up Community Organizing is a joint effort of Padua Center, University of Toledo, and Judith Herb College of Education. A community organizer interfaces with the neighbors to surface needs and concerns, to mobilize action, and to facilitate resolutions to problems. Padua Center holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM. The vision of Brighten Up is to build a community that is safe, healthy, prosperous, and beautified by people actively engaged in community improvement and self-growth.
Ujima Park and Garden
Working with Toledo Grows, Padua Potters Children's Garden Club, CITE Youth, and adult volunteers worked to design, plant and maintain the Ujima Park and Garden. We grow the garden's produce chemical-free. It is available to the community.
Vision Therapy
Padua Center offers vision therapy daily once individuals receive pre-testing.
Alternative to Suspension Program
Padua Center offers a program designed in partnership with the New Pickett School to assist children who are vulnerable to suspension.