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continuum of life care center in east st. louis takes shape

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

Building supplies are arriving daily at the Continuum of Life Care Center (CLCC) on 37th Street in East St. Louis as workers give shape and form to a dream.

A “hard-hat walk through” was scheduled Dec. 16 to give folks a chance to see how the new building is shaping up, and to give those attending the opportunity to add a table and chairs, a washer, a dryer, a dish washer, a copier or other needed items to their Christmas shopping lists. The walk through was cancelled because of the weather, but the donations are still needed.

The new 7,600 square-foot building will give the CLCC desperately needed space.
Right now the group has about 700 square feet in an office on State Street in East St. Louis, and it just doesn’t meet present needs, Jackee Curiton, CLCC’s administrative assistant, said.

The new space will give CLCC the opportunity to provide comprehensive after care for people who are moving from Holy Angels Shelter into the community, she said.

The new facility “will be direct service for street people to come in, eat, clean up and do their laundry,” CLCC board member, Gerry Hasenstab, said. Right now, “there’s no drop in site in the city of East St. Louis.”
While people will not be housed at CLCC, they will “walk away with skills, information and help to get on their feet,” Jackee said.

Classes will be offered in diction, and to qualify for high school diplomas. Folks will be given help to fill out application forms, and they will be offered jobs’ skills classes at St. Patrick Center in St. Louis.

“It’s very exciting because we’ll be making a positive impact in the community,” Jackee said. “It’s like bringing a Christmas gift to a child” every day you’re able to help someone.

For more information, or to see what else is on the CLCC wish list, please call 271-2522.