| May 26, 2026 Dear Members of our NECC Community, I’m writing with several updates about Northeast Community Center’s financial health, including notification about a fee increase. As the executive director, my main responsibility is to evaluate and strengthen the financial position of the NECC so we can continue to build and support a thriving and resilient intergenerational community. The good news is that the NECC’s financial position is healthy, after several destabilizing years due to the pandemic. And yet, we’re facing the same cost increases and fiscal uncertainty as the individuals and families we serve. In response to inflationary pressures, on June 29, 2026, we are raising our membership fees by 4.5%, with the exception of youth membership. We know any cost increase in these economic conditions is challenging, and that’s why we reduced the 9% increase that was approved by the board to 4.5%. Please see the full fee schedule below. Renewing members who pay in full by June 29, can renew at the current rate. Membership dues are just one part of our long-term financial wellness plan. During my time here at the center, our NECC staff and board have made strategic decisions to expand our revenue streams, including a new preschool program, more basketball league offerings, and facility rentals to larger customers. On the expense side, we have also streamlined operations to maximize efficiency and member experience. Our revenue diversification has had a profound impact on NECC’s ability to serve you and reduce barriers to our neighbors who face greater financial constraints. Here’s what that means: – The Community Fund reopens: We are beyond thrilled to announce that we will begin accepting The Community Fund applications again on June 29 for households who need financial support to be members of NECC and the NE Village. We paused new fund applications in 2024 to weather a period of fiscal instability. Even during the pause, we have distributed over $60,000 each year in financial support to nearly 300 households! Click here to learn more and apply or here to support the fund with a donation. – Insurance subsidization for 800+ members: We will continue to subsidize no-cost insurance-based membership for the more than 800 members who access the program throughout the year. – TRX is now free and program expansions: This June, we will make TRX free to all members! This news is the latest programming expansion in the past year we have seen, including: expanded facility hours on weekends, adult art classes, pre- and post-natal yoga, launch of The Little Laurelhurst Preschool partnership, and the Parkinson’s Disease Boxing Club and no cost support group.As always, I’m available to schedule a conversation to answer questions and talk about how NECC serves our neighborhood. Since I joined the center last year, we’ve been through a lot together, including a record-setting fundraising campaign that secured our future. You’ve shown up with ideas, energy, friendship, and generosity. While our building serves as a gathering place, you all are the heart. And I’m more optimistic than ever about our future together. |
Yours in service, |
| Justin Pabalate Executive Director Pronouns: he/him Email: justin@necommunitycenter.org |
New monthly fees for each membership category can be found in the table below:
