MLKFS Activates Community-Wide Response to Keep Youth and Families Served
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.”
~Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
SPRINGFIELD, MA – Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) is reaching out to our community with an important update following an emergency situation at our Community Center. On the afternoon of Friday, March 27 a gas leak was discovered on site. While the source of the leak could not be immediately identified by Eversource, the gas was turned off as a precautionary measure and the building was closed. Prioritizing the safety of our community is our highest concern.
“In the days that followed, the outpouring of support from every corner of our community has been truly remarkable — a living testament to the power of Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community, and a reflection of how deeply this center is woven into the fabric of Springfield. This opened doors to partnerships for a relocation plan to best serve our youth and families.” — Shannon M. Rudder, MBA, President & CEO, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services
Rudder continued, “We reaffirm our commitment to our community. This is a temporary disruption — not a detour from our mission. MLKFS is committed to reopening our Community Center facility safely and fully. While we work swiftly to return to regular programming, MLKFS has larger plans in motion for sustainable capital improvements to our Community Center that reflect the long-term investment our community deserves.”
MLKFS is actively working with partners across Springfield to ensure continuity of and access to programming for the families and youth we serve. Key updates include:
- Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall partnered with MLKFS to identify a relocation site for our long-standing afterschool program. As a result, Principal Sutton of Rebecca Johnson School will generously welcome our after-school families during this temporary relocation.
- Atu White of Dunbar Community Center & Mt. Zion Baptist Church confirmed use of classroom space as the relocation site for our youth mental health Beat the Odds (BTO) program and in discussion for the Night Spot recreation program (basketball and volleyball).
- Jada Waters of The Boys & Girls Club Family Center welcomes MLKFS youth and families and serves as an alternative evening program option in our community.
- To ensure safe delivery of food and wellness services to our weekly clients, our emergency food pantry is cancelled this week. News of reopening to follow.
- Our 2026 HBCU Tour continues with its Kick-Off scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 6:30am from The MLKFS Community Center.
- Our Administrative Offices located at 106 Wilbraham remain open.
Vendors addressing the gas leak are actively onsite to share remedies for the repair of this facility issue.
MLKFS is committed to keeping our community informed. Please follow our updates on social media as our relocation and recovery plans evolve. Thank you for your continued support, trust, and partnership.
About:
Since 1977, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services has served as an anchor institution ensuring Dr. King’s Beloved Community throughout Western MA. The mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services is to lead with hope and drive action, shaping futures and igniting transformation across cultures and generations. Through innovative programs in educational enrichment, public health, youth leadership, food access and wellness, family support, and economic opportunity, we empower individuals, youth and families to overcome barriers, rise and lead purposeful, liberated lives.
Media Contact:
Claudia Pazmany