Our History

Emanuel Community Center (ECC) was founded in 1871 to serve the expanding local population of German immigrants who were coming to Cincinnati. A great many of these families settled in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The Center helped the new residents learn English, learn to vote and assisted with other aspects of adjustment to the American way of life, but ECC evolved to meet the needs of the community.

One need this neighborhood identified as far back as 1900 was childcare, so Emanuel's Child Development program is today the oldest continuously operating day care center in Ohio. In 1923, Emanuel moved into the current structure, which spans a city block and includes a gymnasium for recreation activities. At one point, Emanuel's upper floors were used as the Martha Washington Home for business women.

ECC has been known throughout the years for its variety of youth athletic programs. Ezzard Charles, the world champion heavy weight boxer for whom a street is named, came through Emanuel's athletic program, as did another boxing champion, Aaron Pryor.

In addition to the child development and athletic programs, current programming includes a computer lab, arts and cultural programming and an ongoing role as a civic leader in OTR.

Today, Emanuel is a true "center for the community" and is poised to help a diverse and expanding population adjust to the dramatic changes happening in OTR.