Naperville Cultural Center may close doors

The Naperville Cultural Center soon may have to close its doors.

Founder Michelle LeBlanc, who runs the center with the help of volunteers, is unable to continue to do so due to unexpected family obligations.

"We're putting out a plea for those who want it to stay around who can help monetarily, by volunteering, or helping run the place," Treasurer Michelle Linton said. "(Or) if anybody wants to take it over so she doesn't have to close it down."

LeBlanc started the nonprofit center in 2005 after realizing how hard it was to find a Japanese teacher for her children. Her own heritage includes a Japanese, Bohemian and Irish background.

The cultural center aims to promote understanding of world cultures and is home to the German School of Naperville, Russian Center for Language and Culture, Downtown Music Together, Kimberly Steele Piano and Guitar Studio, Create a Mosaic Art Studio and other private foreign language and art programs.

"It has brought together everyone from different backgrounds. I've learned a tremendous amount about other cultures and there's so many activities and language and arts," Linton said. "It's a place to go where everyone can get together and participate and learn about other cultures. It's brought a tremendous amount to the community."

LeBlanc wears most of the hats at the center - president, fundraiser, community relations guru, program coordinator - and doesn't take a salary from the $130,000 annual budget.

But last month, LeBlanc's elderly mother took a fall and now needs long-term care.

"This is her obsession, this is her baby," Linton said of LeBlanc's love for the center. "Unfortunately ... family does have to come first sometimes."

Classes are continuing at the center and Linton said there is no definite timeline for when it may close. She guesses it won't be able to stay open much more than 45 days without significant assistance.

In the meantime, instructors such as Kimberly Steele are looking for alternate locales. Steele has been teaching piano and guitar at the center since it opened and plans to continue giving lessons.

She believes the center has great potential but will need a leader who can guide it in LeBlanc's absence.

"Under the right direction it could be fantastic, not just for Naperville but the whole surrounding area," Steele said.

Anyone who may be able to volunteer their time or money to help keep the center open may contact Linton at (630) 729-3138 or michelle@mla-accounting.com.