Restoring hearts and lives

Finding potential in everyone

City Center addresses pressing needs and challenges facing young people with more than a handout. The team offers guidance and creative pathways to confidence, self-worth and restoration.

Through partnerships and support from faithful donors, City Center helps youth and families get the essentials such as healthy food, hygiene products, clothing, school supplies and more. The organization also promotes valuable life skills through vocational training, educational support, mentorship, after school and summer programs and athletic activities to help young people create better lives for themselves.

The nonprofit was founded in 2016 by Jed and Julie Chappell, two people who understand firsthand the challenges faced by youth in crisis. Jed, a former drug dealer and self-described thug, managed to escape a cycle of poverty, violence and near death by becoming a pastor and committing his life to helping others. Julie was once a single mother living on welfare who relied on her faith and the goodness of others to help her rise above her troubled circumstances. Today, she’s passionate about supporting single mothers with love and dignity, empowering them to become self-sufficient members of the community.

Showing up for kids

Since opening, the nonprofit has served more than 500,000 meals through its food pantry and nutrition program, given away more than 200,000 articles of clothing and donated more than 5,000 backpacks with supplies for students. “We support City Center because we see the positive effects they’re having across the city,” said Richard Brown, co-founder and vice president of Centennial Insurance Group. “While focused on empowering youth, their holistic approach also helps entire families become whole again.”

“While focused on empowering youth, City Center’s holistic approach also helps entire families become whole again.”

– Richard Brown, Co-founder and VP, Centennial Insurance Group, Inc.

Centennial Insurance Group has steadily supported the nonprofit since 2018 with time, talent and donations. Team members volunteer at City Center’s summer meal program to assist with preparing and serving food several times a month. They also help gather and donate lightly used apparel for City Center’s clothing initiative, which allows people of all ages to select clean, free, well-fitting clothes so they look sharp and feel confident going to a job interview or attending school. Plus, throughout the year, the agency promotes the nonprofit’s work through its business network, social media and community events to reach those in need — and those who can further help support the cause.

An ecosystem of support

City Center’s collective model brings together local nonprofits, businesses, government agencies and churches to provide a web of support while eliminating duplication of services.

“The Centennial Insurance Group team is a key part of the local ecosystem of support that youth need to be successful,” said Jed Chappell, founder and CEO of City Center. “Along with helping young people, this collaboration helps build community and makes all of us stronger.”

“The Centennial Insurance Group team is a key part of the local ecosystem of support that youth need to be successful.”

– Jed Chappell, Founder and CEO, City Center

Providing hope and healing

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