JOPLIN, MO.--- Many people drive past the Joplin Community Service Center building everyday without thinking twice about its function. It originally served as the "African American United Service Organization Office" during segregation.
"Also, this building served as the downtown Center for Nutrition. The Area Agency on Aging used this center years ago until 4 years back to feed the seniors in downtown Joplin," says Jim West, Community Activist.
Much like Joplin's rich history, this building has evolved over time as well. Renovations in the early 90's knocked down a wall, expanding the service center so it can continue to serve the community today.
"We rent it out to anyone who wants to use it for a wedding reception or any type of gathering," says West.
Nearly a dozen member organizations in the community regularly use this facility. Although the building is now owned and governed by the "Negro Service Council Board of Directors," organizers say they are continually working to broaden its presence in the Joplin area.
"It's community oriented. That's why we call it the Community Service Center because it's not black, it's not white, it's not green, it's for everyone who wants to be apart, and we really are open to that," says West.
The Negro Service Council is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to keep the center running. The group will hold a fundraising dance at 8 p.m. this Saturday at the service center to help raise money and awareness about its function in the community.
"Also, this building served as the downtown Center for Nutrition. The Area Agency on Aging used this center years ago until 4 years back to feed the seniors in downtown Joplin," says Jim West, Community Activist.
Much like Joplin's rich history, this building has evolved over time as well. Renovations in the early 90's knocked down a wall, expanding the service center so it can continue to serve the community today.
"We rent it out to anyone who wants to use it for a wedding reception or any type of gathering," says West.
Nearly a dozen member organizations in the community regularly use this facility. Although the building is now owned and governed by the "Negro Service Council Board of Directors," organizers say they are continually working to broaden its presence in the Joplin area.
"It's community oriented. That's why we call it the Community Service Center because it's not black, it's not white, it's not green, it's for everyone who wants to be apart, and we really are open to that," says West.
The Negro Service Council is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to keep the center running. The group will hold a fundraising dance at 8 p.m. this Saturday at the service center to help raise money and awareness about its function in the community.
