The center, which has served the community since the 1970s, recently underwent significant renovations funded through community fundraising efforts.

"We were able to transform the space. Each space has a different meaning and it goes back to the red, the black and the green, which is the African liberation flag," said Crystal Jeffrey-Brusche, a board member at the center.

Despite the improvements, the center faces ongoing challenges, particularly with the need for a new boiler to maintain its operations during the winter.

"These brownstones are historical, actually a landmark, and they're very old. And it's costly to maintain," said Jeffrey-Brusche.

Without new funding, the Magnolia Tree Earth Center risks delaying its winter programming, highlighting the ongoing struggle to keep this vital community resource alive.