About

The mission of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLKCC) is to nourish, educate, and support Newport County, R.I. residents to improve their economic, social, and physical well-being. From its start in 1922, the Center became a gathering place for people of all cultures and communities, with a board, staff, and clients from every background and every neighborhood in town. In 1968, the Center moved into the former Navy USO building in Newport's Washington Square neighborhood and was renamed in honor of Dr. King. That building continues to be used today, fully renovated to meet the growing needs of today's community. Over more than a century, MLKCC has grown in response to community need and become a multi-service agency providing a wide variety of human services and enrichment activities to meet the diverse needs of its neighbors. We serve diverse, predominantly low-income individuals and families through three main program areas: hunger relief, child education, and community wellness. Hunger relief and nutrition services are offered both at our Center and in the community, removing barriers of transportation, language, and mobility. Our high-quality child education programs include Preschool, After School program for children ages 5-12, and Summer Camp. Engaging wellness programs for adults and seniors are offered without cost and include fitness and cooking classes, access to a registered dietitian, 2x monthly senior Lunch & Learn, community lunches and dinners, access to visiting nurses, referrals to other social service agencies, and more.