Douglass Community Services Celebrates 50th Anniversary

A celebration of the past and excitement for the future were the themes as a Hannibal service organization marked a milestone.

At a breakfast meeting Tuesday, Douglass Community Services celebrated its 50th anniversary.

CEO Stephanie Cooper expressed gratitude for those who helped get Douglass to where it is today.

To add to its many other services, Cooper announced Tuesday the creation of the Douglass Foundation to continue to focus on critical needs in the community and the establishment of a scholarship for non-traditional students.

What is now Douglass Community Services began when Willow Street Christian Church purchased the former Douglass Elementary School building, opened a community center and began some of the programs that evolved into the organization that today provides services ranging from a food pantry and youth meals to housing assistance and volunteer opportunities.