Our Story

2016 is CCCC’s 50th anniversary.

In November of 1966, a consortium of Chandler churches unified with the common cause of alleviating poverty in their community. Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC) was born out of a passion “to broaden physical, mental and spiritual horizons, to strengthen family ties; to cultivate goodwill and brotherhood among all races, creeds and nationalities.”

For 50 years, CCCC has been changing lives by nourishing minds and bodies. Since rapidly expanding services beyond the Food Bank to include Community Action Program, Family Resource Center, Chandler and Gilbert Senior Centers, and I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program), CCCC continues to change more lives in the Southeast Valley.

We look forward to our 50th anniversary celebration this fall, and as we enter CCCC’s 50th year, thank you for your generous contributions and inspiring volunteerism. You are a vital part of the Chandler Christian Community Center story, both in the past and in the future.

Here are a few highlights from CCCC’s 50 year history:

• On November 6, 1966 CCCC was dedicated by Governor Sam Goddard, Mayor George Nader and other community members.
• CCCC was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in January, 1968.
• In 1969, volunteers picked up groceries from the local Bashas’ grocery store along with beans and flour from the Tempe Flour Mill.
• In 1976 the California Street Baptist Church donated its property at 345 S. California Street, and the CCCC moved to our current location. Mrs. Al Barnes, owner of the Chandler Arizonan, a local newspaper in circulation at the time, provided funds for the purchase of the building.
• In 1990, CCCC became a United Way partner organization.
• In 1996 CCCC obtained its first walk in refrigerator/freezer. That year, 17,000 persons received food boxes.

In 2009, current CEO Trinity Donovan began her tenure and led an expansion of CCCC. Now, CCCC changes lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community. CCCC programs now include CAP (Community Assistance Program), the Family Resource Center, I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program), and CCCC oversees the meal (Senior Nutrition) program at the Chandler Senior Center and the Senior Nutrition Program & Activities at the Gilbert Senior Center, (City of Chandler’s Parks and Recreation provide the activities at the Chandler Senior Center).