Work to Create a Community Services Center Begins This Fall

The former rectory of St. Catherine-St. Lucy at 38 N. Austin Blvd. in Oak Park.
Photo courtesy of Growing Community Media/Wednesday Journal

Prentice Butler working in his first-floor office in the former St. Catherine-St. Lucy rectory.

The side entrance to the lower level of the rectory.

Spaces will get paint, new flooring, and improved lighting.

One room will be set up as an Essentials Pantry with emergency needs for families.

This space will be furnished with new furniture to allow it to be used for adult education and meetings.

The kitchen adjoining the large meeting room can be used for refreshments and clean up.

Check out this slideshow of the former rectory, which is now designated a community services center.

The Neighborhood Bridge’s dream of turning the former rectory of St. Catherine-St. Lucy (SCSL) into a community services center is finally becoming a reality!

On July 27, after a three-month approval process, the Oak Park village board unanimously approved zoning changes that allow The Neighborhood Bridge (TNB) to offer services out of the rectory. Housing Forward will continue and expand its overnight emergency shelter in the building as well.

The Facilities Committee for TNB has been meeting with Parish and Housing Forward staff to fine-tune building upgrade plans. The Neighborhood Bridge will have office space at the front of the first floor to welcome those seeking outreach services. Prentice Butler, Executive Director of The Neighborhood Bridge, is currently establishing the office system necessary to officially roll out services to the community.

On the lower level, the existing space will be updated to provide various services, including:

• An Essentials Pantry to provide household goods that families at our partner schools need.

• A large meeting room to allow for adult education classes such as computer literacy as well as Faith & Fellowship Ministry meetings.

• Smaller meeting rooms for use by The Neighborhood Bridge and service organizations.

The work—including new flooring, painting, improved lighting, and furnishings— will begin this fall.

Look for more news to come as we seek volunteers to help upgrade the space.