The John F. Kennedy Center (JFK) was incorporated as a private nonprofit social service agency on June 6, 1968. JFK seeks to improve the conditions of work, play, study, health, and living among the 10,235 residents of a disadvantaged targeted are of northeast Erie City. The target area is bound on the north by East Lake Road, on the south by East 28th Street, on the west by East Avenue, and on the east by Bird Drive.

JFK uses both paid staff and volunteers to carry out a wide variety of human service programs. Most of the programs serve primarily the residents of the target area although some may attract clients from other areas of the city, and even, Erie County.