Ella Jackson Senior Center

HISTORY

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-namedIn the early 1980's, the Center made its final move to 338 Connecticut Avenue in the City of Bridgeport, and the Center was renamed "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.

Bridgeport residents, even those with disabilities, are eligible as long as they are at least 60 years of age or older.

Ella Jackson will always be remembered for her hard work and dedication she had for the seniors and the Center.

Special thanks to Mrs. MaryEllen Tatten for providing an accurate history of the Center!

For more information about the Ella Jackson Center, contact Ms. Paulette Mack, director of the Ella Jackson Center.