Volunteers Explore Ideas for New East Bluff Community Center
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: June 8, 2012
PEORIA--A local group is taking action to turn a former school into a community center.
St. Bernard's School is currently being used for summer youth basketball leagues.
But city leaders, community members, and local pastors want to expand that by opening part of the building as a neighborhood outreach center.
Meals, recreation, and educational opportunities would be offered to people of all ages.
The group is in talks with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and the Peoria Park District for potential programming.
"We don't really have neighborhood schools anymore," explained organizer Tom Stone. "So we're kind of hoping we can step in and fill that gap. And this will be the place that people look to for that center of the community."
The organization is currently seeking funding for the center, which it hopes to open this fall.
If you'd like to support the project, donations can be mailed to:
East Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services
1839 N. Wisconsin Avenue
Peoria, IL
61603
*Make checks payable to East Bluff Community Center
St. Bernard's School is currently being used for summer youth basketball leagues.
But city leaders, community members, and local pastors want to expand that by opening part of the building as a neighborhood outreach center.
Meals, recreation, and educational opportunities would be offered to people of all ages.
The group is in talks with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and the Peoria Park District for potential programming.
"We don't really have neighborhood schools anymore," explained organizer Tom Stone. "So we're kind of hoping we can step in and fill that gap. And this will be the place that people look to for that center of the community."
The organization is currently seeking funding for the center, which it hopes to open this fall.
If you'd like to support the project, donations can be mailed to:
East Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services
1839 N. Wisconsin Avenue
Peoria, IL
61603
*Make checks payable to East Bluff Community Center
