Community comes together to create center for everyone

Envisioning the Northside Community Center, located at 1450 Garfield, through the eyes of Annie Hinton of Poplar Bluff, one can see a safe place for everyone - young and old.

Located in the former Northside Nutrition building, the community center was established in 2018 with Brown Chapel AME Church serving as the sponsor for the 501(c)3 nonprofit group.

Board members anticipate the center being a place where people meet for social, educational and recreational activities.

Plans were well underway when COVID-19 reduced the activities, but board members didn’t allow it to diminish their outlook.

Keeping strong in their faith, board members are Donald Brandon, William Harrold, Hinton, secretary Carolyn Cooper, president Annette Joseph, Catherin Willoughby, treasurer Delori Hood and vice president Pricella McCellon.

Advisors are JoAnn Brandon and Annie Harrold. Bill Gresham is the attorney and Kathern Harris is the advisor.

“The board of directors has been meeting every third Friday of the month by telephone conference,” Hinton said. “The last meeting was in person.”

The community center volunteers hosted the first phase, or opening ceremony, for this year’s Juneteenth celebration. At noon, the people gathered at the Brown Chapel pavilion at Valley and Benton streets.

Hinton’s Juneteenth book display for all ages is still viewable at the center. She has plans for a different book display each month.

Plans also include a lending library, as well as at least five free books for every home, Hinton said.

“We were going to have a health fair before COVID,” Hinton said.

Emphasizing seniors are “still very important and have value to give to the community,” Hinton said, organizers hope to provide fitness classes and computer programs for seniors. The goal is to get seniors involved serving as mentors, working one on one with the youth.

Hinton visited with University of Missouri Extension Human Development Field Specialist John Fuller to discuss several activities, including 4-H, exercise, horticulture and the Green Dot program, among other activities.

Donations are tax deductible. While the group has received private donations, a donation from the Episcopal Diocesan Center, the Ozark Federal Credit Union and an organ from St. Louis, Hinton said, “a non-profit public facility needs donations from the community.”

“Believe in God and he’s going to send help,” Hinton said.

“We are in process of getting a kitchen together where we can offer cooking classes, rent to individuals and groups to have chili suppers, pancake breakfasts, smaller banquets, birthday parties and to those who cannot afford a more elaborate facility,” she said.

Touring the building, Hinton pointed out the wooden shelves Sandy Woods donated to be used in the center’s library. She pointed to various areas in which work is needed.

The wish list ranges from a first aid kit, a telephone system, computers and someone to prep and tile the kitchen floors, Hinton said.

The tile has been purchased, but skilled volunteers are needed to do the installation.

Hinton said, the computers will help not only the youth in learning basic computer skills, but seniors who want to gain knowledge in using new smartphones.

Volunteers, who pass a background check, are needed to work with the youth, she said.