The Kroc Center Story

Kroc Centers are a gift to their communities, thanks to Joan Kroc and The Salvation Army.

San Francisco, California

Where it began.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Where it continues.

How Kroc Centers went from vision to reality

Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, said that she took a tour of San Diego and it was then that she recognized a community that was in desperate need of a safe gathering place, a place with facilities and trained professionals to nurture children’s social skills, arts appreciation and athletic potential. She described The Kroc Center as being a beacon of light and hope in the community.

Mrs. Kroc entrusted The Salvation Army with $90 million to build the first Kroc Center in the Rolando neighborhood of San Diego. Sadly, she passed away a little more than a year after it opened, but she was so pleased with what was accomplished there that she left $1.5 billion to The Salvation Army to build centers like it across the country. Today, there are 26 Kroc Centers nationwide, including the one in Green Bay.

About The Green Bay Kroc Center

The 102,000 square-foot Greater Green Bay Kroc Community Center redefines what a community center is all about. This unprecedented place of gathering and enrichment houses an array of education, sports, faith, arts and supportive programs unlike anything else available in the Greater Green Bay Area. Our programs, as well as the building itself, have been designed to stimulate the mind, body and spirit to provide hope, and to transform the life of each and every member of the community.

The Kroc Community Center is comprised of four major components: a center of worship and a performance venue, an Aquatics Center, Fitness Center and Gymnasium and special event facilities. Development of the Kroc Community Center was made possible by a combined capital and endowment grant from a bequest to The Salvation Army by the late Mrs. Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc. The Green Bay community also raised funds locally, representing a community investment. The Green Bay Kroc Center opened in August of 2011.

The Salvation Army Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Kroc Center’s Vision

In keeping with the mission of The Salvation Army, our vision is to inspire people to realize their potential through experiences that transform lives!

OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE KEYS

SAFETY – We provide emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual safety for members, guests, and staff.
RELATIONSHIPS – We create productive, meaningful relationships with everyone we encounter and go above and beyond expectations.
EFFICIENCY – We are attentive, considerate, and responsive to the needs of our members, guests, and staff. We are good stewards of our resources.
APPEARANCE – We are ready to serve our members, guests, and staff through presentation and cleanliness of person and place.
CONSISTENCY – We prioritize our mission, adhere to standards, and recognize how our part affects the whole. We hold ourselves accountable for the impact of our actions and behaviors.