2025 Community Connection: Building Stronger Roots Together
This season, the Institute for Community celebrates growth, new partnerships, and the launch of The Underground arts and youth leadership center — a space designed to inspire the next generation.
Celebrating Growth and New Beginnings
Dear Friends and Partners,
This season has been one of growth, hard work, and joy for the Institute for Community. After much planning and collaboration, The Underground — our new arts and youth leadership center — is complete!
We envisioned this space as a place where kids, teens, and artists could explore their gifts, build relationships, and grow strong roots in the community. Already, we are seeing it come alive through creativity, collaboration, and connection.
We’re especially grateful to the partners who are now part of The Underground and Creative Arts Centre:
- The School for the Arts (led by Ally Larsen and a group of artists) — offering music and art lessons that build creativity and confidence.
- Perricone Center for Counseling and Healing Arts (founded by Katie Perricone) — providing expressive arts, play therapy, counseling for all ages, financial counseling, and more.
- Pulse Dance Academy (formerly Studio 20) — offering classes from beginner to advanced, plus the exciting launch of The Homeez, a new street dance team.
- Church of Faith (led by Pastor David and First Lady Valerie Seroy) — gathering with us every first and third Sunday for worship and encouragement.
Program Partners
The Creative Arts Centre
- Ballet, jazz, lyrical, poms, hip hop, and street dance team.
- Music and art lessons (Director: Ally Larsen).
- Counseling and healing services for all ages.
- Friday night gaming: Smash Bros., Melee, Ultimate, Project+, Street Fighter 6, and more.
- Creative theater programming.
- Worship services and Bible study.
- Connecting people and strengthening the community.
The Friendship Centre
- Early education (Lead: Ezlynn Rodriguez).
- Connecting residents through monthly events.
- Youth leadership development (Lead: Joe Johnson).
- Spanish-speaking Sunday services.
- Alternative education.
- Full-day summer camp for ages 5–12; before/after care available.
- Before/after school program for Beverly Skoff Elementary (school days only).
- Resident fitness center (5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.), outdoor pool (Memorial Day–Labor Day), and rentals.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Our mission is clear: to empower leaders, foster connection, and create programs that help people live more balanced and fulfilling lives. None of this would be possible without God’s guidance and the generosity, encouragement, and partnership of people like you.
Together, we are not just building spaces, but building stronger roots for our community.
Contact
Institute for Community
175 S. HighPoint Drive, Romeoville, IL, 60446
Phone: (815) 588-6130
Email: [email protected]
