P.O. Box 2185
E. Saint Louis, IL 62202
(618) 874-0637
director@griffincenter-esl.org

Recent News

It was music to our ears...

Posted on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - 18:48 by Diane
Thanks to the generous donation by the St. Louis Symphony through the efforts of Griffin Center Weathers-Owens Site volunteer Peter Garea the children and parents were given the opportunity to visit Powell Hall and hear the special family symphony series performance of Saint-Saens' Carnival of the Animals. We heard a great performance, learned about the various instruments and positioning of the orchestra and were treated to a delicious reception all in beautiful Powell Hall. It was a life enriching experience for us all and we are grateful!
full article

Thank you, Cardinals Care!

Posted on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - 18:35 by Diane
We are the grateful recipients of a $1,000.00 grant from the Cardinals Care Foundation to help with the cost of our Summer Day Camp: USA Road Trip 2011.
full article

We are grateful for...

Posted on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - 20:22 by Diane
...the Fischer-Bauer-Knirps Foundation which has gifted us with $1,000. ...Brigid Mattingly who has gifted us with $5,000 that is being matched by her company, Wells-Fargo Bank. ...Mr. Jim Dougherty of Ee-Jay Motor Transport in E. St., Louis who gave us 13 Butterball turkey gift certificates. ...the Annunciata St. Vincent DePaul conference who delivered 15 plump turkeys for Center families. ...E. St. Louis AmeriCorps who updated our DeShields-Robinson computer lab with 10 new wireless Dell machines that have Windows 7!   The other Centers are next in line. ...the McMullens from Texas who provided us with a generous donation for hats and gloves. ...71 Center children on the Honor Roll with GPA's of 3.0 or higher! ...a wonderful, caring, dedicated staff and very precious children!
full article

Thank you, Saigh Foundation!

Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - 20:31 by Diane
Griffin Center is proud to announce the reception of a $5,000.00 grant from the Saigh Foundation to support our after-school recreation program.    We are grateful and proud to partner with the Foundation in supporting the hopes of the late Fred Saigh that all children have a better opportunity to achieve their goals.
full article

Sr.Julia is a Local Hero

Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - 20:25 by Diane
Bank of America selected Sr. Julia Huiskamp, founder of Griffin Center, as one of five 2010 Local Heroes in recognition for her dedication and commitment to the poorest of children.  She was honored at a delightful reception on November 10, 2010 and presented with a $5,000.00 check for Griffin Center.  We are so blest, appreciative and proud to be working with Sr. Julia!  Thanks, too, to Judy Phillips from the Diocese of Belleville, who nominated Sr. Julia for this prestigious award.
full article

Lights On! Griffin Center Receives the Omni Light Award!

Posted on Monday, September 27, 2010 - 18:56 by Diane
full article

Kujenga IX: African American Youth Leadership Conference

Posted on Monday, September 27, 2010 - 18:55 by Diane
Thirteen Griffin Center teens attended the Kujenga African-American Youth Leadership conference in St. Louis this past weekend Sept. 24-26. They all did a great job and we are very proud of their contributions. Special recognition must go to our four youth who were awarded four of the eight "Shining Light" awards given to the youth from each group who made significant contributions to the success of the weekend. We congratulate Shamira Abrams, Brandon Vaughn, Kenyea' Barnes and Frank Bornnard! Look for their reflections on Facebook soon!
full article

The 2010-11 After-School program is off to a great start....

Posted on Monday, September 27, 2010 - 18:48 by Diane
Pack 'em Back-to-School! 500 children in grades K-12 were sent back to school with a backpack filled with the grade appropriate supplies they needed to be successful and achieve to their full academic potential this school year. 400 of those also received new uniforms, shoes, socks and underwear thanks to our generous Pack 'em Back-to-School sponsors: The Dan Devereaux Memorial Trust Family & Friends St. Joseph Parish; Lebanon, IL Blessed Sacrament Parish; Belleville, IL Wal-Mart Employees; O'Fallon, IL Emerson Electric
full article

Thank You United Way and S.O.S.

Posted on Monday, September 27, 2010 - 18:46 by Diane
Griffin Center received a one-time Community Investment grant from United Way to fund our five week summer 2010 day camp at three public housing sites. 300 children took the USA Road Trip summer experience gaining reading, math and map skills while increasing their physical activity and enjoying a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day.
full article

Griffin Center is proud to celebrate with our former program participants who are 2010 graduates

Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 23:31 by admin
*Leonard Johnson graduating with honors from Harris Stowe has already obtained a position in the HR Department and will pursue graduate work. *Redginal Aaron graduating with a double major in History/Political Science and Business Administration from Greenville College will continue his education at Valparaise University Schooll of Law in the fall. *Norkisha Epps graduating from Southwestern Illinois College with an Associate of Arts degree continues to work for Griffin Center and will pursue a four year degree at SIUE.
full article