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The Mary McLeod Bethune Senior Center was started by the East End Neighborhood Advisory Council, (EENAC), under the leadership of Clarence T. Williams, Ella Jackson, Rose Johnson and Ralphola Taylor, in June of 1969. Mrs. Jackson served as its Director and Mrs. Kathleen McIntosh served as President for many years.
After many years of being operated by EENAC governmental changes required that an agency such as Hall Neighborhood House assume responsibility.
The Center operated for a brief period in the basement of the Newfield Library, 85 Revere Street and then moved to a social services building on 1277 Stratford Avenue; the headquarters of the NAACP and Catholic Youth Organization. When the building was sold to the Prayer Tabernacle Church of Love the Center relocated to 1343 Stratford Avenue; (across from St. Luke's Freewill Baptist Church).
East End residents and their aldermen successfully advocated for, and received, funding for a permanent, accessible home at 338 Connecticut Avenue. Prior to the final move the Center was re-named in the early 1980s "The Ella M. Jackson Senior Center" in honor of Mrs. Jackson's tireless dedication to advocacy for the elderly.
The purpose of the Ella Jackson Senior Center is to address the health, social, emotional and recreational needs of the socially and culturally deprived, low-income minority seniors.
The program has moved to newly renovated accommodations at Hall Neighborhood House's main facility at 52 George E. Pipkin's Way. Under the direction of Ms. Belle Brown, the program today offers a variety of workshops, activities, health screenings, referrals and special events.
Bridgeport residents, even those with disabilities, are eligible as long as they are at least 60 years of age or older. The center is open three days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am - 2:00pm. Activities include:
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