The Balsam Community Center is a historic school house building that is managed by a 9 member board of local residents. The building is owned by Jackson County and there is a picnic shed, playground and basketball court maintained by Jackson County Parks & Rec.
The Balsam Community Center building is used for community outreach, monthly potluck dinners (3rd Thursday monthly April – October), classes and musical performances. The building is available for rentals for birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. We also are a great space for meetings, seminars and workshops. We have a fully renovated kitchen with new appliances in 2017.
Learn more about renting the Balsam Community Center
Our Values
Mission
We believe strong communities grow from neighbors helping neighbors. Through fellowship, shared meals, local events and workshops, support for small businesses, essential resources including our community food pantry, and affordable space for life’s milestones, we strengthen the ties that make Balsam more than just a place to live — preserving this gathering place for generations to come.
Vision
Our vision is for the Balsam Community Center to remain a welcoming gathering place for generations to come — where neighbors meet, support one another, and celebrate the moments that bring a community together. Through continued stewardship, we hope this historic schoolhouse will always be a place where Balsam stays connected.
Values
Stewardship
We care for this historic schoolhouse with respect and responsibility so it remains a welcoming gathering place for our community now and for generations to come.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
We care for this historic schoolhouse with respect and responsibility so it remains a welcoming gathering place for our community now and for generations to come.
A Place for Everyone
The Balsam Community Center is a welcoming place where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, connect, and feel at home.
Volunteer Leadership
Our work is guided by volunteers who give their time, skills, and care to strengthen our community and keep this space active.
Honoring Our History
We respect the story of this historic schoolhouse and work to preserve its character while keeping it useful for today’s community.
Serving Our Community
Through shared meals, local events, essential resources, and community programs, we strive to support the well-being of our neighbors.
Little Free Library
Beginning in 2019, the Balsam Community Center hosts two Little Free Libraries. One library box contains a wide variety of books for youth and adults, the second box is especially for children. The boxes were designed and constructed by community member Gordon Pike.
Both boxes operate under the auspices of the non-profit Little Free Library System which has 200,000 Libraries in 128 countries. The Little Free Library System was founded to “Build Community, Inspire Readers and Expand Book Access.” The Balsam Little Free Library volunteer steward is Carol Lynn Knight, a community member. She welcomes everyone to take a book or share a book.
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