For decades, the Audrey Johnson Daycare Center has served as a symbol of care, education, and community in the heart of Bushwick. Today, this vital community resource stands at a crossroads.

After months of conversations, planning, fundraising, and negotiations, The Green Campaign was unable to finalize lease negotiations and did not receive the keys to the building. While we secured support for construction and renovation, the financial terms ultimately prevented us from moving forward under the proposed agreement.

But our vision has not changed.

We still believe the former Audrey Johnson Community Center should remain a place dedicated to serving the people of Bushwick—not another lost community asset.

Why #FreeAudrey?

We launched the #FreeAudrey Campaign because we believe this building deserves a future rooted in community ownership, youth development, education, wellness, and opportunity.

Our goal is no longer simply to lease the facility.

Our goal is to acquire it.

We are actively organizing residents, grassroots organizations, elected officials, community stakeholders, and philanthropic partners to preserve this historic space and transform it into the:

Bushwick Safety Zone & Education Center

A community-driven center that would provide:

Youth development programs

College and career pathways

Workforce training and job placement

Restorative justice and violence prevention services

Mental health and wellness programming

Arts, culture, and entrepreneurship opportunities

Community meeting and organizing space

Intergenerational programming for youth, adults, and elders

What We've Already Accomplished

Despite not securing the building, we have already demonstrated serious commitment:

Secured $500,000 toward construction and renovation.

Secured additional youth programming funding.

Built partnerships with community organizations, educators, workforce development leaders, and public officials.

Developed a comprehensive vision for the future of the site.

Now we must take the next step.

What Your Donation Supports

Contributions to the #FreeAudrey Campaign will support:

Acquisition and ownership efforts

Legal and real estate expenses

Community organizing and stakeholder engagement

Building assessments and due diligence

Capital fundraising efforts

Strategic planning and development of the Bushwick Safety Zone & Education Center

Why Ownership Matters

For too long, community organizations have invested their time, resources, and energy into spaces they do not control.

Ownership creates permanence.

Ownership protects community vision.

Ownership ensures that future generations have a place to learn, heal, create, and thrive.

The Audrey Johnson Center has the potential to become one of Bushwick's most important community assets. Together, we can make sure it remains in service to the people who need it most.

Join the Movement

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1,000, you're helping build a future where community spaces remain in community hands.

Share this campaign.

Tell the story.

Contact your elected officials.

Help us bring together the coalition needed to save this space.

#FreeAudrey

Save the Building. Secure the Future. Build Bushwick Together.

With gratitude