When East Hammond’s Brooks House closed in the late 1970s, local community activist Ophelia Steen was concerned because residents were left without a community center.
So she became a champion for a new gathering place through the Maywood Citizens Organization, founded in 1985, which became the Community Center Development Corporation in 1991.
Although Steen’s vision didn’t come to fruition in her lifetime — she died in 1991 — her dream was realized when the Ophelia Steen Family & Health Service Center opened its doors on Columbia Avenue in East Hammond in 1999.
Attendees at the recent Black & White (with a splash of color) Ball fundraiser, Cheers to 30 Years, which Steen developed as the project’s main fundraiser, recalled the journey taken to serve East Hammond’s residents.
“It was 20 years in the making,” said center Executive Director Albertine Dent. “The city of Hammond and local banks were very supportive of this project, and federal funds were utilized for the construction.”
Currently three entities lease space in the center — the W.I.C. program, Health Net, and a child care facility. Rooms also are available for rent to organizations and associations for meetings and/or events.
“If Ophelia were alive today, she would be so excited to see her dream come true,” said board member Jean Ishmon. “And she wouldn’t have expected the building and the services to be this big.”
Board of directors President Cynthia Warner Lowe concurred.
“When the building opened, Ophelia’s family members said that she would have been be so very proud,” Lowe said. “And they said we wouldn’t need any lights because she would be shining.”
The Black & White Ball has grown in popularity, with more than 300 people in attendance this year at the Dynasty Banquet Hall.
Adding, “with a splash of color” to this year’s fundraiser title was a response to CCDC celebrating 30 years in existence.
“It seemed appropriate,” Dent said.
A Fashion Show presented by Ms. Elle’s Especially For You Boutique in Highland capped off the evening.
The first formal Black & White Ball was developed by Steen with the idea it would become her organization’s main fundraiser for the new community center.
“The first ball was held at Wicker Park with about 200 people,” Dent said. “It has continued in popularity — we have so much support from so many areas.”
And with the challenges the center has faced recently, that support — and much more — is needed on a continual basis.
“Recently, we had water damage twice in six weeks,” Dent said. “We lost quite a bit — supplies, many records and other things.”
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But the board of directors, their supporters and the community at large will persevere in keeping the Center up and going, if the recent ball was any indication.
More information about the Ophelia Steen Family & Health Services Center or the Community Center Development Corporation is at (219) 853-2360.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.