Bridging the gap from surviving to thriving
Americana’s mission is to provide holistic services to Louisville’s refugee, immigrant, and underserved population to build strong and healthy families, create a safe and supportive community and help every individual realize their potential.
We are a grassroots non-profit in Louisville, KY, bridging the gap from surviving to thriving for more than 5,000 people from over 100 countries each year.
We believe in human dignity and social justice and that every human is created equal. We believe that a holistic approach with a focus on education will develop a strong community and family structure and break the cycle of poverty.
Americana Community Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Established in 1990 in response to the growing international population in Louisville, partially due to increased refugee resettlement in the city, Americana was originally housed in four apartment units, where many of the refugee, immigrant, and low-income families of Louisville were living. The founder of Americana went door to door in the apartment complex, listening to the stories and struggles of the community members. From there, Americana’s community-based programs were born.
In 2002, with the support of local foundations, we purchased a former school building of 50,000 square feet. All programs and services were moved to the new location, and Americana was able to expand its programs to serve a greater number of our neighbors. The neighborhood where we are located in South Louisville is 51% foreign-born and 37% live below the poverty line. This location allows us to stay connected to the community and continue offering quality, community-based programs to an underserved population in Louisville.
Our programs are designed to enable people to overcome the challenges of integrating into a new community and living below the poverty line. Learn more about what we do.
Meet the team who support our participants every day.
Our vision is to create a vibrant, safe, multicultural environment for families and children with places for learning, playing, growing, sharing, socializing and connecting.
Individuals and groups of all sizes are welcome.
Stay tuned for more opportunities opening in up in the fall!
Recommended for individuals who can commit to volunteering for at least one month. Please fill out the Volunteer Waiver to register as a regular volunteer.
After-School Program on Monday – Thursday, 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm during school year: this program provides a safe and educational environment for children and youth (grades K – 12). A variety of educational and enrichment activities are offered throughout the week. Volunteers can assist with homework help, tutoring, helping to supervise students, and facilitate activities. Volunteers are needed to assist with students K-5 and 6-12.
Community Garden Volunteer (flexible hours): Volunteers in the community garden will assist the Community Garden Coordinator with general upkeep and various projects in the garden. Contact our Garden Coordinator directly to find out more at [email protected].
Fiberworks Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:00am – 2:00pm: This program provides refugee and immigrant women a place to practice sewing and fiber arts skills, as well as practice and improve their English. Volunteers are needed to help the women with their projects, speak to them in English & help them with their English, provide childcare during the program and help out with craft fairs that Fiberworks participants attend.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) during Tax Season: Help our participants complete their yearly tax returns! Training is provided. Find out more about the city-wide VITA program here.
Recommended for large volunteer groups of five or more individuals
There are several opportunities for volunteer groups including renovations (painting the gym and classrooms, trash pick-up around the community center, etc.), organizing the library and art room, and working in the community garden. These can be regular or one-time volunteer opportunities depending on your group’s preferences and schedule.
NOTE: If you are 18 or older and volunteering 10+ hours, please complete a background check before you begin volunteering. If you’ve had one done in the past 12 months, you can provide a copy of the results or a letter from the organization.
NOTE: Volunteers under 18 should have a parent/guardian sign the Youth Volunteer Consent Form and return it to the Volunteer Coordinator.