38 years ago, no one could have imagined that 3,000+ students would have been touched by the little organization that began with a handful of dedicated citizens and one extraordinary leader at a local church.  Community educator, Edna W. Runner, believed that the children of West Jupiter deserved an opportunity to live the American dream, and she set out to create a safe and nurturing environment where they could pursue academic and personal excellence.

 

This labor of love grew, and in 1986 became known as The West Jupiter Community Group, a nonprofit organization providing services to children and their families.  The need was clear and the results were so tangible that the community reached out for more.  In 1993, the tutorial building opened to further provide children with structured educational support critical to their success, and the family strengthening programs to fortify their needs.  Rededicated as the “Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center” (EWRTC), in 2011, the center has expanded twice more to more than double the organization’s capacity to serve.

 

In 2020, the EWRTC established a capital campaign to further meet the needs of children in the community by expanding once more.  Enhancements included additional office space, a science classroom, a kitchen to support cooking lessons, a music instruction room, and a counseling room. Outdoors, new learning areas include a new turf playground, a butterfly garden, a regulation-length basketball court, which provides a safe area for students to recreate and play.  Additional parking installed now provides easy access to the entrance for visitors to the facility, and the many volunteer educators who donate their time to tutor the students, and provide supportive, goal-oriented mentoring.

 

The Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center now provides after school, spring break, and summer camp services for more than 125 elementary and middle-school-aged students. The tutorial center fosters educational achievement, positive self-esteem, and character development in a supportive and safe environment so that young people can flourish and grow to their fullest potential.