The Gary community welcomed the Flourish Community Hub during a grand opening celebration April 12 at Flourish Church.

The 20,000-square-foot church building was converted into a support center that offers resources through 15 partner organizations. Programs include youth mentorship, mental health support, basic resources and business development.

“The Hub stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment to seeing Gary thrive,” according to a church press release.

Pastor Dexter Harris founded the hub in fall 2023, shortly after starting the church that March. Soon after, the church's leaders conducted surveys of residents and met with social organizations to learn about the community's most important needs.

They discovered that collaboration would be the key to helping Gary's people.

Co-working space is part of the plan in an effort to grow entrepreneurial spirit that will lead to jobs. Childcare is another piece of that puzzle, along with a We the Village preschool program for children with autism.

The hub also is home to a “blessing box” or community pantry in the parking lot.

The hub is seeking donations to help pay for the renovation, administration, youth mentors and childcare workers.