The Fenway Community Center (FCC) is working to bring the neighborhood’s residents together with a diverse array of programs ranging from painting sessions to political debates.

The organization is housed at 1282 Boylston Street #123 and has been utilizing its 2,700 square feet of gathering space as a hub of activity since it first opened in 2016.

“The types of programming that are the most popular are arts and culture, civic engagement, and historical,” said Mallory Rohrig, the FCC’s executive director.

The nonprofit hosts monthly watercolor workshops and paint brunches, which Rohrig said each draw a mix of roughly 20 college students and senior citizens. “I love it, it’s the best when you get all different kinds of people in one room,” she said.

Additionally, the FCC organizes events where Fenway residents can engage politically, such as an informal debate and Q&A between candidates during the most recent race for district 8 city councilor.

“These are chances for folks to get to know their local politicians and have them be more integrated into the community,” said Rohrig.

The FCC also puts on a monthly Fenway Speaker Series, which is hosted during the last Monday evening of each month. “It’s a great way to learn about historical aspects of the Fenway neighborhood through a fun social presentation,” she explained.

Past speakers have included author and historian Anthony Sammarco, the head of the Emerald Necklace Conservatory, and a Boston archivist.

In collaboration with the Fenway Community Development Corporation, the FCC hosts a monthly “free market” where people bring unneeded household items for others to take. “Seniors might drop off china or teacups they no longer use, and college students can come pick them up,” added Rohrig.

She said monthly events like these each draw anywhere from 15 to 50 attendees.

Beyond regular programming, the FCC has hosted several unique events such as an ice cream social, a drag makeover brunch and a performance by the Wheelock Family Theater which included live music, a raffle giveaway and crafts for children.

The FCC also helps put on an annual day of music called “Porchfest,” which was attended by about 500 people this past summer.

“Our programming is informed by the neighborhood,” said Rohrig, noting that the FCC is currently reaching out to residents with a survey aimed at improving the nonprofit’s events and services for next year.

Beyond scheduled programs, Rohrig described the FCC’s location as “a place where you can bring your book to sit and read” or “you can meet up with another resident in the neighborhood.”

“We want people to feel like they can come in and are welcome in this space,” she said.

On September 28 the FCC successfully hosted its first “Love the Fenway” fundraiser since before COVID-19, which Rohrig described as “an opportunity to celebrate the Fenway neighborhood and the Fenway Community Center.”