05/06/2026
Hawthorne Community Center
Carrying Forward a Legacy
Last year, our community experienced a profound loss when Hawthorne, our treasured neighborhood school, was closed. For generations, it was more than a building. It was where friendships were formed, families connected, and a true sense of belonging took root.
Today, we’re here not only to honor that legacy—but to carry it forward.
Who We Are
The Hawthorne Community Center project team is made up of parents, neighbors, former Hawthorne families, and local advocates who believe deeply in what this place has meant—and what it still can be. We come from different backgrounds, but we share a commitment to preserving the spirit of Hawthorne as a place of connection, support, and opportunity.
Our Vision
We envision the Hawthorne Community Center as a welcoming, multi-purpose space that continues the role this building has always played in our lives. A place where:
- Kids can learn, explore, and feel safe after school
- Families can gather for events, celebrations, and support
- Community members can connect through classes, wellness programs, and shared experiences
- Local groups can meet, collaborate, and grow
This is not about replacing what was lost—it’s about honoring it by ensuring the doors remain open to the community.
Potential Uses
to serve the community needs of neighborhoods on the west side of Helena:
Child care programs
After-school programs
Teen Center
Meeting spaces by the hour (for clubs, 501(c)(3) organizations, informal groups)
Adult education programs
Music studio
Tool library and wood shop
Arts space(s)
Crafts / Makers space
Performance space
Learning Labs
Life sciences
Chemistry/physics
IT, Robotics, and Modeling Lab
CSA dropoff point
Vigilante Parade float construction area (near tool library)
Canteen/food service facility
Playground and garden
Why It Matters
When Hawthorne closed, something important was taken away. But what made Hawthorne special was never just the school—it was the people, the relationships, and the sense of belonging. This project is about holding onto that, and creating a future where those connections continue to thrive.
Where We Are Now
We are in the early stages of planning and organizing, listening closely to the community and exploring what’s possible. Every conversation, every shared memory, and every idea is helping shape what this next chapter can be.
Join Us
This effort belongs to all of us. Whether you’re a current neighborhood family, a former student, or a neighbor who cares about this place, your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that Hawthorne remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come.
Thank you for being here today—and for helping carry Hawthorne’s legacy forward.
Your ideas, support, and involvement will help bring it to life. Visit our website to find ways to get involved:
