About Deaconess Center

Established by Deaconess Foundation, Deaconess Center strives to be a public square at the intersection of health justice and social justice. Our mission is to be and build “Beloved Community” and power for people and organizations who are laying the groundwork for liberation and community well-being.

In the spirit of our faith heritage, the mission of Deaconess Foundation is the improved health of the community and people of Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Deaconess Foundation envisions a community that values the health and well-being of all and gives priority attention to the most invisiblized. This community only thrives if the allocation of power and distribution of resources, benefits, opportunities and burdens are not predictable by, nor predicated on race.

Deaconess Center on average host more than 15,000 advocates, civic leaders and community organizers per year in more than 600 gatherings. Meeting space is granted at no cost to groups and organizations who are laying the groundwork for liberation and community well-being. From neighborhood gatherings to regional policy roundtables, the Center is creating space for dialogue, events and activities at the intersection of health justice and social justice.

The 21,000 square foot facility house offices for Deaconess Foundation and long-term missional partners, Vision for Children at Risk and Unleashing Potential. Diverse, flexible meeting rooms, classrooms and community spaces can host up to 120 people in the largest setting.

Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, Inc. is a nonprofit, qualified active low-income community business with a three-member elected Board of Directors. Current directors are Deaconess Foundation President/CEO, Bethany Johnson-Javois., Deaconess Foundation Vice President, Administration, Matt Oldani and Rev. Josh Privitt, Associate Pastor at St. Peter's United Church of Christ.