Charles Martin Youth Center (CMYC) is dedicated to youth and community advocate, Mr. Charles Martin. Mr. Martin was Director of Urban Youth Services at South Bend’s YMCA starting in 1970. He recognized the connection between education and a better life and strived to reach out to children and teach them the importance of academic schooling. In 1994, the CMYC facility was made possible through the charitable contributions of businesses, organizations and community members that partnered with South Bend Heritage.

Mr. Martin taught at Washington and Clay High Schools before embarking on his true “ministry”, preparing inner city youth for a productive life. Charles Martin passed away on June 2, 1994, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched.

Today, the Charles Martin Youth/Community Center serves as a critical hub for Community Building & Engagement organizations and important supportive services programming. With great access and ample parking, the center is also a highly sought out location for community meetings, special services and events. Through new and longstanding community partnerships with South Bend Heritage Foundation, the center continues to be a place for everyone.   

The main level of the center houses the Indiana Minority Health Coalition Doula Program/Hoosier Health Wise, Ark Angels Day Care and the City’s Department of Community Investment Economic Empowerment Team. The second level is home to the South Bend Heritage Foundation Youth Literacy Program, providing critical after school activities. The lower level includes Muhammad Enterprises, Mama’s Against Violence and Ark Angels Transformation.