Jordan Community Center

Jordan Community Center (JCC) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to transforming the historically neglected Old Jordan Elementary School (South Carolina State Equalization School) into a vibrant, state-of-the-art community hub. This brick building (13,379 sq. ft./6.01 acres) stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and educational advancement during the era of state-mandated segregation. Today, it represents an opportunity to preserve history while creating meaningful pathways for future generations.

Our vision is to restore the facility into a fully operational community center that will provide educational enrichment programs, workforce development training, health and wellness initiatives, youth mentorship, senior engagement services, and cultural programming. By repurposing this historic structure, we aim to honor its legacy while addressing critical needs within our community.

Historical Significance 

Constructed in 1950 to educate and segregate Black students living in the Jordan Community of Manning, SC (Clarendon County), Jordan Elementary School once served as a cornerstone of opportunity, a beacon of hope and resilience within our community during a period when quality education was largely denied to black communities. The school welcomed students from 1st through 8th grade and stood as the centerpiece of community life. During school integration in 1970, Jordan Elementary School was closed. My Mother, her twin sister, and several family members attended this beloved school—now entrusted to my stewardship. We are deeply committed to preserving this meaningful part of our family and community history. 

This building is more than just bricks and mortar—it is a powerful symbol of perseverance, education, and community pride.  

Vision for the Future: Jordan Community Center Breathes New Life to the Old Jordan Elementary School

While it may not boast major tourist attractions, the Jordan Community is rich in history, heritage, and community spirit. We strive to preserve our past while building our future by repurposing the Old Jordan Elementary School into a multifunctional, inclusive, and vibrant community hub. 

Key Features of the Jordan Community Center:

Today, the Jordan Community does not have a dedicated community center. The center’s location offers exceptional potential—it sits just minutes from a private airport, a golf community, and the scenic Lake Marion. Restoring this site will not only preserve a culturally significant landmark but will also provide much-needed services, programs, and gathering spaces for residents of all ages in the community. 

  Educational Facilities 

o Classrooms and a computer lab to support afterschool programs, tutoring, GED preparation,

 workforce readiness, and lifelong learning for adults. 

 Health Access 

o Nurse Station

 Community and Event Spaces 

o A multipurpose meeting room and flexible event space available for local meetings, workshops, 

 weddings, reunions, and cultural events.

 Emergency Preparedness 

o In disasters or emergencies, Jordan Community Center can act as emergency shelters or distribution hubs, 

 which is vital in this remote area.

 Cultural and Civic Life 

o Public meetings and civic engagement 

o Voting stations and informational sessions

 Outdoor Recreational Areas 

o A playground, tennis and pickleball courts, and a walking trail to encourage year-round

 recreational activities.

 Proposed Programs and Activities

  Youth Enrichment 

o After-school and summer camp programs

o Mentorship and leadership development initiatives 

 Adult Engagement 

o Fitness classes, health workshops, and skill-building courses 

 Community Connection 

o Regular community events, farmers' markets, arts festivals, and heritage celebrations 

Economic Development and Social Impact 

The repurposing of the Old Jordan Elementary School into the Jordan Community Center will provide tangible and lasting benefits for our town, including: 

 Job Creation: Staffing for programming, maintenance, and operations 

 Economic Boost: Increased foot traffic supporting local restaurants, retail, and lodging 

 Community Wellbeing: A safe, inclusive space that promotes social cohesion and healthier

 lifestyles 

 Heritage Preservation: Maintaining and honoring a site of historic importance

Meeting the Needs of the Jordan Community

Interviews with the residents of Jordan Community have been conducted, and they have expressed some of their greatest needs, including: Transportation, Food Insecurities, Healthy Eating,  Boys and Girls Club, Legal Assistance, Homelessness, Life Skills Classes, Mental Health Support, Incarcerated Support, Education & Skills, Daycare, Children’s Programming, Etiquette, Personnel Hygiene Classes for Teens, Confidence Building, Entertainment, Budget/Finance Services, Exercise Classes to make it fun and entertaining for teens and the Obese.

"Teamwork makes the dream work!"