December 2025

For over a century, The Community House Association has been a charitable organization built around the idea that the community would come together to learn, celebrate, and give back to those less fortunate. Our organization has grown and adapted over the years to meet the changing needs of Birmingham and the surrounding communities while remaining steadfast in our charitable purpose. In fact, when our founders outgrew their original space, the organization relocated and changed its name to reflect a broader audience.

Our founder’s vision was rooted in philanthropy and service — encouraging the community to support those in need. For many years, our hospitality and Early Childhood Center operations provided the revenue necessary to support that mission. However, like many non-profits in the current environment, we continue to face growing financial pressures. Beloved events like Our Town and 90 & Beyond have long been opportunities for the community to invest in our future. While these events, as well as enrichment classes, enjoyed success for decades, attendance has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

Even as we navigated financial challenges, we continued to give back. In 2025, we partnered with Horizons-Upward Bound and supported FAR Therapeutic Arts, UC Family Services, and Women of Tomorrow. We want to do more and support their work, and the work of other non-profits, through increased funding, mentorship and guidance.

We realize that many in the area have a strong emotional tie to the iconic building, especially because the service in The Community House remains first-class. However, the glow of those memories does not alter the reality that there is simply not enough revenue to give back to the community in the impactful way that aligns with our mission. However, refocusing the Association as a community foundation will align us with our original purposes, ensure long-term stability, and allow us to leverage our assets to do more for the community we serve.

Moving forward, the Community House Association will continue to serve the community from a smaller location while centered on philanthropic, civic and social activities for the residents of Birmingham and the surrounding communities. In this format, we can strengthen and uplift Birmingham and surrounding communities through grant-making and mentorship to area nonprofits as well as continue our legacy of providing scholarships for local students pursuing education beyond high school. This is not the end of The Community House Association; it is the next chapter in fulfilling our purpose with a new name that reflects a broader impact.

Throughout this process, we have been heartened by the nonprofit leaders who have connected with us. They have expressed genuine excitement about what a new community foundation will mean for their ability to help their constituents in meaningful ways. They know best what is needed to strengthen their work, and we have great respect for their expertise, leadership, and the vital services they provide. We look forward to collaborating with even more non-profits as a community foundation.

We also deeply respect the community’s concern for the employees and families connected to The Community House. Like so many of you, we have shared treasured moments within its walls. That is why we announced this transition with as much notice as possible and provided compensation to ensure our dedicated employees can remain with us into 2026, continuing to serve families and clients who rely on them.

We want the Birmingham community to know that while our address may change, our heart and purpose remain steadfast: to give back to those in need and strengthen our community for generations to come.

Alison Gaudreau is President of The Community House in Birmingham