Burroughs Community Center

What Burroughs Community Center does

Burroughs Community Center is a Bridgeport, Connecticut-based nonprofit organization founded in 1997 that operates a 5,000+ square-foot community facility serving refugees, immigrants, low-to-moderate-income individuals and families, and local community groups. Its core programs include free Citizenship Classes, English Language Services (ESL), a VITA Tax Program providing IRS-certified volunteer tax preparation, a Community Meeting Space rental offering, a Community Garden, and the Our Woven Community (OWC) social enterprise, which trains refugee women in sewing and entrepreneurial skills and sells handcrafted handbags, scarves, and accessories.

The organization runs a community-led go-to-market with no proprietary technology stack; service delivery is human-led at the Fairfield Avenue facility, supplemented by a WordPress-hosted e-commerce shop for OWC products and distribution through regional craft shows, farmers markets, and area retail partners. Marketing is conducted via organic social channels, partner referrals, email newsletters, and a community event calendar.

Burroughs is funded by a combination of donations and contributions, facility rental revenue from approximately 70-75 partner organizations and community groups, and OWC product sales, where 100% of proceeds support the artists and program expenses. The center operates 350 days per year and serves over 32,000 participants annually, with 59% of activities focused on training and over 40% on community engagement and advocacy. It is governed by an 8-member Board of Directors and led by Executive Director Michael Quan with a staff of 11.

Name

Burroughs Community Center

Legal name

Burroughs Community Center

Website

https://burroughscenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Burroughs Community Center is a Bridgeport, Connecticut nonprofit founded in 1997 that operates a community facility delivering free citizenship classes, ESL, VITA tax preparation, meeting space, and the Our Woven Community artisan social enterprise for refugee women, serving over 32,000 participants annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Refugee & Immigrant Support Services (BPAGAEAI), Refugee & Humanitarian Newcomer Orientation (Resettlement Support) (EDAAADAI), Community Language Conversation & Exchange Groups (EDAAAFAO)

Keywords

• Community social services
• Citizenship preparation classes
• English language instruction
• Free tax preparation
• Refugee women empowerment

Headquarters

HQ city

Bridgeport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Financial contributions from individuals, organizations, and community supporters. Donations help provide sewing machines and tools for OWC artists and support program expenses.
2. Our Woven Community Social Enterprise Sales: Sale of handcrafted items (handbags, scarves, accessories) created by refugee women artists. 100% of proceeds benefit the artists and support program expenses. Products sold through online shop, regional craft shows, local farmers markets, and area retail stores.
3. Facility Rental Revenue: Affordable meeting room rental to community groups and organizations for program activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Burroughs Community Center is a nonprofit community center in Bridgeport, Connecticut that provides free social service programs including Citizenship Class, English Language Services (ESL), VITA free tax preparation, and a Community Garden, alongside affordable Community Meeting Space rentals and a social enterprise called Our Woven Community (OWC) that trains resettled refugee women to produce and sell handcrafted bags, scarves, and accessories. Programs are offered primarily free of charge to community members, with revenue supplemented by donations, OWC product sales, and facility rentals.

Product overview

Burroughs Community Center is a community-based organization offering a portfolio of social service programs and community resources. The core offerings include six main programs: Citizenship Class (free civics and English language instruction for naturalization), Community Meeting Space (affordable room rentals), Our Woven Community (OWC social enterprise program for refugee women), English Language Services (ESL instruction), VITA Tax Program (free tax preparation), and Community Garden (shared gardening space). OWC includes an online shop (OWC Shop) where handcrafted items made by refugee women are sold. The center also provides facility use services and supports over 75 community partner organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Our Woven Community (OWC): A social enterprise program of Burroughs Community Center that provides local resettled refugee women the opportunity to become self-sufficient leaders empowered with entrepreneurial skills and economic opportunity. Participants learn to use sewing machines to create handbags, scarves and other items using donated materials combined with fabrics from African countries.

Products and services

• Citizenship Class Free English language and civics instruction program designed to help individuals prepare for U.S. citizenship naturalization, including interview practice and application assistance. Target audience: immigrants and refugees in the Bridgeport, CT area seeking naturalization.
• Community Meeting Space Affordable meeting room and shared space (over 5,000 square feet) rentals for community groups, nonprofits, and organizations running programs and events in Bridgeport, CT.
• Our Woven Community (OWC) Program Social enterprise program that provides resettled refugee women with sewing skills training and entrepreneurial opportunities to create handbags, scarves, and other items for sale, with 100% of proceeds supporting the artists and program operations. Target audience: resettled refugee women in the Bridgeport area.
• English Language Services Free English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction program offering classes to help community members learn English as a second language, with emphasis on building relationships and community integration. Target audience: immigrants and refugees in Bridgeport, CT.
• VITA Tax Program Free tax preparation services and ITIN application assistance provided by IRS-certified volunteers for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, with both in-person and virtual appointment options. Target audience: low-to-moderate income residents of Bridgeport, CT.
• Community Garden Community garden program providing space for residents to grow produce, reconnect with nature, and build relationships through shared gardening activities. Target audience: Bridgeport community members and residents.
• OWC Shop Online storefront for the Our Woven Community program featuring handcrafted items including bags, accessories, and home goods made by refugee women artists using recycled materials and African fabrics. Products are sold online, at regional craft shows, local farmers markets, and area retail stores.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves over 32,000 community participants annually through 350 operating days
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RYASAP (Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFacility partner providing affordable office space. RYASAP works to ensure safe and healthy development of youth, young adults, and families by engaging organizations around community issues including violence prevention, substance use education, juvenile justice reform, and youth leadership.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of ConnecticutcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFacility partner providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships. By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and community, BBBS helps children achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, and educational success.
• Connecticut Students for a Dream (C4D)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide, youth-led network fighting for rights of undocumented youth and families. Promotes equal access to higher education and works toward just society where undocumented immigrants are not discriminated against.
• CIRI (Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide organization assisting refugees and immigrants to resolve legal, economic, linguistic and social barriers. Provides legal, social and educational programming and promotes cross cultural understanding.
• Black Rock Community CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOldest and largest community membership organization in the area with mission to promote projects that enhance quality of life of Black Rock's residents and businesses.
• ACCESS Educational ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization supporting educational services in Bridgeport area.
• Action for Bridgeport Community Development (ABCD)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization supporting community development initiatives in Bridgeport.
• United Way of ConnecticutminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor nonprofit partner providing community support and resources through partnership with Burroughs.
• Connecticut Legal ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free legal services to community members in need, partnering with Burroughs to serve low-income individuals.
• Literacy Volunteers of Greater BridgeportminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdult literacy organization providing reading and language instruction, aligned with Burroughs English Language Services program.
• Bridgeport Board of EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic school system partnership supporting educational programming and youth development in Bridgeport.
• Fairfield County's Community FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation partner supporting community initiatives and funding for Bridgeport area programs.
• Fairfield UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education institution partnering with Burroughs on community programs and volunteer support.
• Wakeman Boys and Girls ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development organization with established partnership for sports and recreational activities at Burroughs facility.
• The WorkplaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development organization supporting employment and career resources for community members.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Connecticut Legal Services: Connecticut Legal Services provides free legal services to low-income residents statewide, partnering with Burroughs to serve shared clientele. It operates in the same geography and addresses overlapping immigration, housing, and benefits legal needs of Burroughs' target population.

Direct peers

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is a youth-mentoring nonprofit operating as a Burroughs facility partner. It shares the same community-center delivery model and serves overlapping youth-and-family populations in the Bridgeport market.
• RYASAP (Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership): RYASAP is a Bridgeport-area coalition working on youth and family services, violence prevention, and substance use education. It is a Burroughs facility partner, operating from the same building and addressing overlapping community-safety and family-support concerns.
• Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI): CIRI is a statewide organization assisting refugees and immigrants with legal, social, linguistic, and educational programming. It is explicitly listed as a Burroughs facility partner and serves the same target population with overlapping services in English language, legal, and resettlement support.
• Wakeman Boys and Girls Club: Wakeman Boys and Girls Club is a Bridgeport youth-development organization with an established Burroughs partnership. It shares the local community-center delivery model and serves overlapping youth and family populations through sports, recreation, and after-school programming.
• Literacy Volunteers of Greater Bridgeport: LVGB provides adult literacy and English-language instruction in the same Bridgeport market as Burroughs. It is listed as a Burroughs partner and competes/collaborates for the same adult English-learner population, making it a directly comparable peer on program overlap.
• Action for Bridgeport Community Development (ABCD): ABCD is a Bridgeport-based community action agency providing social services to low-income residents. It is a listed Burroughs partner and serves overlapping low-to-moderate income populations in the same geography with comparable community-development programming.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of Greater Bridgeport: The YMCA of Greater Bridgeport is an established community-center operator serving the same Bridgeport geography with broader recreational, youth, and family programming. It represents the broad-incumbent model of multi-program community delivery that Burroughs operates at smaller scale.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC is a national refugee resettlement and integration organization with programs for ESL, employment, and economic empowerment that directly parallel Burroughs' OWC, citizenship, and English-language offerings, but at substantially greater scale.
• United Way of Connecticut: United Way of Connecticut is a major statewide nonprofit funder and service coordinator. It is listed as a Burroughs partner and represents a much larger incumbent operating across the full spectrum of community services that Burroughs addresses at the local level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Burroughscenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/burroughscc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/burroughscenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/explore/locations/69084328/burroughs-community-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Burroughs Community Center