Programs and Services

Harp playerPadua Center provides a number of programs to fulfill the needs of the community we serve.

After School Tutoring 2023 (pdf)
Program Registration Form (pdf)

Padua Potters Program

Children and adults who love gardening and wish to be a part of the Padua Potters Garden Club can participate. To enroll, or visit the garden, please call the Center at (419) 241-6465.

Enrichment Programs

Padua Center’s After School Tutoring Program occurs Monday-Thursday (3:00-5:30 PM) while school is in session with tutoring between 4:00-5:00 PM. If this program interest you, please contact Mrs. Teresa “T T” Allen at the Center (419) 241-6465 for more information.

Through Emerging Young Ladies, Anita Prielipp is helping young girls to grow up and become incredible ladies of character. They generally meet every other Friday night from 5:00-7:00 PM. There is always room for more, so give Anita a call (419) 241-6465 for specific time information.

Grooming Great Gentlemen Please call the office at (419)241-6465 for times and location.

Various organizations, including The Christ Child Society, provide seasonal activities including a Halloween party, Christmas party, LaPosada, and other activities. As funding is available the children can attend off campus sites.

Kwanzaa Park Neighbors

Padua Center from its beginning in 2006 worked to beautify the neighborhood. Our Ujima Park and Garden, on the corner of Junction and Nebraska Avenue provides a spot of beauty and a respite from the heat; it produces vegetables, herbs and anchors this neighborhood.

In 2011, Padua Center’s Brighten Up Community Organizing group conducted a Name the Neighborhood contest. George Lee won the contest with his submission of Kwanzaa Park. Subsequently, during the fall semester, Dr Lynne Hamer’s University of Toledo Participatory Action Research class divided the Kwanzaa Park area into geographic centers based upon the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa Park borders Dorr, Hawley, Campell and Brown Streets. It is about one square mile with Padua Center in the middle. The various parts of the neighborhood have Kwanzaa principles assigned to them.

The Kwanzaa Park Neighbors meet on the first Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:30 PM. Guest speakers, Blockwatch activities, and refreshments are part of every meeting. Everyone is welcome to these meetings.

Please call Padua Center if you have any neighborhood concerns, or you want to volunteer.

Ujima Urban Agriculture

Padua Center sponsors the Ujima Urban Agriculture Program that consists of in-ground gardening, hydroponic gardening and now has a hoop house for year-round gardening. The garden provides fresh vegetables for the neighborhood. Padua Center also uses the garden for educational purposes with the children; it will soon move toward being sustainable. In addition, Padua Center sells some of the produce at the Farmers’ Market in Toledo.