In 2023, representatives from the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lutheran Social Services Family Center, First’s Food Bank and Concordia Charter School came together to form 1st Place Community Center. The goal is to address the needs of the ever changing community and be forward looking in its approach to how it serves and shares use of the facilities. All members fully support the outreach efforts and activities of each other’s programs.

1st Place sponsors weekly Manna Nights for families to come and have a meal, enjoy fellowship, participate in an educational activity for adults and arts and crafts for students. Other events organized by 1st Place include 2 community yard sales, Trunk or Treat, Movie Nights, International Potluck, LSS Baby Shower, Dia de Los Muertos observation, Las Posadas at Christmas, Dia de Los Ninos celebration, Garden after Dark, Bingo/Loteria and LSS Parent’s café every Friday and Saturday. A number of the school’s families attend the weekly LSS programs, and in turn, LSS helps with student recruitment for the school. School staff are part of the Manna Night programing and Pastor Luis has provided counseling for a number of school families. Three of the school families attend Sunday services regularly and participate in Bible studies.