On September 16, 2023, East St. Louis residents, donors, staff of East Side Heart and Home Family Center (ESH&H Family Center), and Sparkill Dominican Sisters gathered on the front lawn of the new home of the Family Center. The weather was beautiful and all enjoyed meeting and socializing around the building.
Father Jim Cormack, a Vincentian priest and chair of the Board of Directors, began the program by noting that as a pastor he thinks of a church building as a sacred space. He described the Family Center as another Sacred Space where people gather to help each other and enrich each other’s lives. The programs at the Family Center invite people to work side-by-side with each other to cultivate positive changes in their lives and their communities. This is truly sacred ground.
Bishop Michael McGovern, Bishop of Bellville, Illinois, then spoke of how it takes a village to raise a child and the Family Center certainly plays its part in that process. He used a traditional house blessing and sprinkled holy water on the building.
Sister Carol Lehmkuhl, OP, Executive Director of the Center spoke of the cooperation of all staff, donors, and volunteers working together to make their programs successful. At the Family Center, the focus has always been on serving people. Each and every person has gifts to contribute, and the Family Center tries to foster an environment where people come together and use their gifts for the betterment of East St. Louis and the world.
Mike Marchal of Holland Construction and Gary Karasek, the architect of the new building spoke of how designing and building this structure touched their hearts. For them, it was not just a job it was a mission they enjoyed.
Helen Davis and Rod Fisher, residents of East St. Louis applauded the Center for how it has enriched their lives. Helen is part of the Women’s Circle that meets regularly now that COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Rod is a resident of Resurrection Park, an area where ESH&H has built affordable houses for local families. Rod said the community of Resurrection Park supported him through his wife’s sickness and death. Their community is very special.
All enjoyed refreshments and tours of the building after the ceremony. One of the best features of the new building is that it is on one level and completely accessible. A slide show of select pictures from 30 years at the Center was especially entertaining because it reminded folks of how much they have changed over the years.
It was wonderful seeing Sisters who had volunteered at the Family Center reunite with residents they had not seen in several years, who are now adults contributing back to the community. As the crowd dwindled it was heartwarming to see the Women’s Circle directing their children with stacking of chairs and clean-up. The community spirit at ESH&H is inspirational.
The party favor that everyone received had a thank you note that read:
“Thank you for being part of our community.
We are happy you were able to celebrate with us today.
May we all continue to shine our light
to make this world a better place.”
Please visit ESH&H Family Center's website for more info at familycenterestl.org.
