Callahan Neighborhood Center
Youth/Teen Activities
Retired Seniors: 5 – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
The program consists of the girls gathering together to learn, listen, do service projects, attend field trips and make friends. They also have the opportunity to participate in selling Girl Scout cookies throughout the year. Most go on to become volunteers and troop leaders.
Boy Scouts: Friday, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
The program consists of the boys gathering together to learn life skill, do community service projects, go camping and make lifelong buddies. They also have the opportunity to participate in selling items such as popcorn at certain times of the year. Most go on to become volunteers and troop leaders.
Girl Scouts: Friday, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Girl Scouts is a program that empowers girls to discover their strengths, build leadership skills, and make lasting friendships. Through fun activities, community service, and hands-on learning, girls explore new interests, develop confidence, and learn the value of teamwork. From outdoor adventures to creative projects, Girl Scouts provides opportunities for growth, leadership, and positive impact in the community.
Mayor’s Book Club: Wednesday, 4 – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
A fun reading program for students who love to read and go on adventures of using the magic of books.
21ST Century OASIS; MTP
Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:30 – 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 2:30 – 6 p.m.
Cost: Varies
The program consists of academic interaction including math and reading throughout the school year; catering to grades kindergarten through eighth, ages 5 - 14. Also included in the program are fun activities such as arts and crafts, computer lab, game and teen room fun, daily exercise and other extracurricular activities.
School Vacation Days when the children are out of school: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Varies
The program consists of academic interaction including math and reading throughout the school year; catering to grades kindergarten through eighth, ages 5 - 14. Also included in the program are fun activities such as arts and crafts, computer lab, game and teen room fun, daily exercise and other extracurricular activities.
Middle School Hangout: Monday - Friday, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Middle School Hangout is a safe, fun, and welcoming space where students can come together after school to relax, make friends, and enjoy activities designed just for them. From games, music, and creative projects to open discussions and team challenges, the Hangout gives middle schoolers a chance to unwind, connect, and build positive relationships in a supportive environment. It’s the perfect place to socialize, discover new interests, and just be yourself!
Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association (OMYGA) Golf Program: (ages 7-18) Children learn basic golf education and social skills. The class is held every Friday at 6 p.m. Learn more.
Adult/Senior Activities
Seniors on the Move: Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: Free
Weekly meetings include outings, health care education, exercise classes, frequent guest speakers; a monthly birthday party; also, exciting conversation and wonderful friendships are developed by attending the program.
Senior Connections Tech Class: Mondays, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Free computer training for older adults will resume. All courses are held at Callahan Center: Tech Resources for Everyday Life.
Find out more about our senior programs at orlando.gov/seniors.
Computer Lab: Open lab for public use. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Saturday, 12 – 3 p.m.
History
The Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center is named for the first Black physician to open a private medical practice in Orlando.
The building has been a place of learning for more than a century. It was built in 1921 and opened to students in 1922 as Jones High School under the direction of Principal L.C. Jones as Orlando’s segregated Black high school. It complimented the Johnson Academy at Jefferson Street and Chatham Avenue, Orlando’s primary school serving Black students.
Enrollment at Jones grew quickly. In 1952 the school was moved to its current location at 801 South Rio Grande Avenue. The building was converted into Callahan Elementary School in honor of Dr. Callahan. The building wasn’t just an educational facility, it was a hub of activity, hosting community events and regular gospel concerts.
Callahan Elementary was one of several Black Schools closed as part of the process of desegregating Orange County Public Schools in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Neighbors began to look for new ways the property could continue to serve the community. In the 1970’s the Callahan Neighborhood Association began efforts to improve the area. One of their original projects was to renovate the playground space behind the old school building to create a space for children to be kids. Later, the Association was joined by other groups that advocated to turn the building into a community center.
In 1982 the City of Orlando agreed to provide funding for the project but there were several delays as engineers determined that the whole building could not be saved. Instead, the facility was designed to include the original building’s façade and the Callahan name to maintain it as a source of pride in the community.
The City’s Recreation Division eventually moved into the building, bringing many programs to the community, including after-school programs, tutoring, summer camp, and feeding programs, a public computer lab, as well as a Head Start program and space for community groups to meet and hold events.