The St. Stephen's Community Center is a excellent example of outreach and social responsibility shown by a Grand Island church. The St. Stephen's Community Center is a excellent example of outreach and social responsibility shown by a Grand Island church. When the owners of Grand Island College closed the longtime business school, it left a void in downtown Grand Island. Members of the neighboring St. Stephen's Episcopal Church viewed it as an opportunity. Stepping forward in an impressive way, the parish purchased the two-story college building and spent a considerable sum remodeling it into a center to benefit the entire community.
Meeting space allows for gatherings of still more non-profit groups.
For the social service organizations, the St. Stephen's site means more space, less money for office rent and a better location. Some office costs, copier charges and meeting space are being shared. As a fringe benefit, the common location makes it easier for agency employees to compare notes and coordinate efforts. The community center was a major expense and an impressive undertaking for the parish, which previously acquired a former service station west of the church and turned it into a what is now the Big Brothers Big Sisters offices and youth meeting space. Several Grand Island foundations and financial institutions also deserve credit for helping bring the community center project to completion.