About the JP Jones Center

"You are the reason for the JP Jones Center and we are all one team, ordinary people, working together with the dedication, loyalty, and determination needed to accomplish the extraordinary.”

History of the JP Jones Center

Building a Healthy Community

In the 1980’s, concerned citizens in the South Fairbanks area began lobbying the Fairbanks City Council for the approval and active support of a Community Center. This group became known as the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Fairbanks (IMAF). The City secured State and Federal grant funds for the construction of the South Side Community Center (SSCC). After completion in 1985, the building was leased to IMAF to operate the facility for the benefit of citizens in South Fairbanks.

The original purpose for the Center was to accommodate the recreational needs of youth and to provide low or no-cost meeting space for community groups and programs. However, a lack of operating and maintenance funds led IMAF to seek support from the City to convert excess construction funds into operating capital. This was approved and deposited into a City-managed Enterprise Fund. The Fund was invested and the interest, along with rental income, was deposited into a City managed checking account to provide the fiscal stability needed to sustain the operation of the Center.

IMAF continued to manage the Center for neighborhood activities and community social services with the help of an Advisory Board to oversee maintenance and administrative tasks. On October 26, 2002, the Center was renamed the JP Jones Community Development Center (JPJCDC) after James (JP) Jones. After experiencing obstacles and racial injustices, JP became committed to the cause of racial harmony. He led the effort through his involvement with the NAACP and by his dedicated efforts towards ensuring racial and economic equality for all. JP Jones passed peacefully at age 90 on November 2, 2002.

By 2005, a much needed expansion and facelift led to the City procuring $1.6 million in funding through HUD and state grants. The work on the building began in 2006 and was completed by the end of 2007. Meanwhile, the Advisory Board recruited a new Board of Directors to manage the JPJCDC and to develop much needed funding sources. IMAF held a seat on that Board.

The City deeded the JP Jones Community Development Center to the IMAF on August, 12, 2012.  The JPJCDC Board managed the JP Jones Community Development Center until May 2019.

In May 2019, the IMAF made the decision to take over the day-to-day operations of the JPJCDC.  The Center was renamed the "JP Jones Center" and is being managed by our new Executive Director, Mike Setterberg. 

The JP Jones Center encourages businesses, groups, and individuals to do business with the Center for your event needs. By doing business with us, you enable us to serve our community and fulfill our VISION, MISSION, and GOALS.