Address

1200 N. 13th Street
East St. Louis, IL 62205

http://www.gbgm-umc.org/lessiebates/index.htm

Overview of Organization

History of Organization

The Lessie Bates Center, which is sponsored by the women of the United Methodist Church, offers a variety of services to East St. Louis residents, especially for women, children, and low-income patrons. Indeed, Lessie Bates strives to address the needs of the children while likewise promoting good parenting. Services provided may include rent assistance, utility assistance, educational programs, recreational programs, etc. In addition, Lessie Bates is a major resource for parents seeking employment.

Lessie Bates boasts two computer labs, one of which needs an upgrade. The upgrade is intended to complement the services the Center offers, particularly the Center’s educational goals. The lab is intended to serve the 9-18 age group, though most users – besides those adults seeking employment – fall within the 9-15 range. As the lab also serves as a learning station for the school district, users often include students who have been expelled from school.

Before serving its current purpose, the Lessie Bates Center was a daycare center for working mothers. During its early years, the Center served the needs of the local Eastern European population. As time has passed, however, local African-American and Latin communities have grown to comprise the primary patron base.

Summary of Organization’s Vision, Mission, and Goals

“The Neighborhood House, as a United Methodist Community Center looks to the future with hope as we continue to strive to improve the quality of life for all the children and families in the greater East St. Louis Community.” – From the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House website.