About Lakeside Community Center
Learn about our mission, history, and the people who make it all happen.
Our Mission
Lakeside Community Center is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, vibrant community by providing accessible programs, resources, and a welcoming gathering place for all residents — regardless of age, income, or background.
Founded in 1978 by a group of neighbors who wanted to create a safe space for families and youth, we have grown from a small recreation center to a comprehensive community hub offering more than 60 programs annually.
Our History
In 1978, a coalition of 12 neighborhood volunteers pooled resources to convert an unused municipal building into a community gathering space. They named it Lakeside Community Center in honor of the adjacent Clearwater Lake, a longtime gathering spot for Springfield residents.
Over the following decades, programming expanded from weekend recreation leagues to include adult education, early childhood development, senior services, and comprehensive family support. A 2001 capital campaign funded a major renovation, adding the gymnasium, expanded kitchen facilities, and accessible meeting rooms.
Today, our 28,000 square foot facility operates 52 weeks a year and serves over 4,200 community members annually, supported by a dedicated staff of 24 and more than 200 volunteers.
Our Values
Every person is welcome here. We design programs to be accessible and relevant to all members of our diverse community.
We provide tools, skills, and connections that help individuals and families build better futures.
We are committed to continuous learning — for our participants, our staff, and our organization as a whole.
We believe strong neighborhoods are built through relationships, shared spaces, and mutual support.
Meet Our Team
Staff names shown in green are current; those shown in red have transitioned to other roles.
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Maria Gonzalez
Executive Director
Maria has led Lakeside Community Center since 2011. Before joining LCC, she spent 12 years in nonprofit management and community organizing in Chicago.
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James Whitfield
Director of Programs
James oversees all programming and curriculum development. He holds an M.Ed. from University of Illinois and specializes in youth development.
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Theresa Nakamura
Director of Development
Theresa led major fundraising initiatives for eight years, helping grow annual giving by 140%. She departed in 2023 to pursue graduate studies.
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DeShawn Morris
Youth Programs Coordinator
DeShawn manages all youth programming, from after-school tutoring to summer camps. He is a certified youth development professional with 9 years of experience.
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Patricia Lin
Senior Services Manager
Patricia leads the Senior Wellness Initiative and coordinates partnerships with local healthcare providers. She is a licensed social worker with a focus on elder care.
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Roberto Suárez
Family Resource Coordinator
Roberto served LCC families for six years, connecting them with housing, food, and employment resources. He joined the Springfield Housing Authority in 2022.
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Angela Osei
Communications Manager
Angela manages our website, social media, and community outreach. She joined LCC in 2019 after a career in journalism and digital marketing.
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Kevin Brandt
Facilities Manager
Kevin keeps our 28,000 sq ft facility running safely and efficiently. He has managed nonprofit facilities for over 20 years in the greater Springfield area.
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Sandra Kowalski
Volunteer Coordinator
Sandra built our volunteer program from 40 to over 200 active volunteers during her tenure. She retired in 2023 after 14 dedicated years with LCC.
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Board of Directors
Lakeside Community Center is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing a cross-section of our community — business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and longtime neighborhood residents.
- Councilwoman Renata Okonkwo, Chair — City of Springfield
- Dr. Samuel Park, Vice Chair — Springfield General Hospital
- Lois Hernandez-Ruiz, Treasurer — Midwest Credit Union
- David Beaumont, Secretary — Beaumont Architecture Group
- Dr. Amara Diallo — Springfield Unified School District
- Michael Ferrante — Ferrante Family Foundation
- Yolanda Reyes — Resident Representative, South Lake District
- Thomas Ashby — Ashby & Associates Law Group