Community Centers in Social Work

Community Centers which function as community welfare centers are known worldwide as one of the most dynamic social institutions. Community welfare center movement started in the beginning of the 20th century as settlement houses and neighborhood centers with the purpose of serving the poor and disadvantaged people. Although different activities are organized nowadays, many community centers operate under different names and continue community-based services for the poor. Community centers aim to raise interest in the problems experienced in society as an important legacy of the settlement houses movement and to raise awareness of people about problems and needs. As for the community centers in Turkey with examples of structuring in recent years, those working in the field of social services have stated that working with residential homes is a priority with reference to their professional roots. In this study, the historical development of community centers and their responses to social needs are evaluated