The Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling (CISM) is an NSF Science and Technology Center, comprising researchers at 11 member institutions, with the unifying research goal of developing a suite of coupled models for the space weather system from the lower corona to the ionosphere-thermosphere. In order to couple, validate, and improve our model suite, starting with previously independent models representing different parts of the space weather system, CISM has benefited from a mix of "center-mode" activities and highly leveraged, science-driven collaborations. Now in our seventh of ten years, we offer some lessons learned for a possible community-directed modeling program. We discuss our experiences with distributed-team model development, validation, transitions to the research and operational communities, and model use by non-experts. We suggest that some elements of a community modeling program will need center-mode support for success, and we note that one size does not fit all. To meet the needs of different users, multiple approaches and flexibility are needed in model selection, setting development goals, coupling, and validation.