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| The Old King's Orchard Community Center "Planting the seeds of hope" |
| Working together to make a difference.... One life at a time! |
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| 815 N. Church st Decatur Il. 62521 (217) 428-2782 [email protected] |
| Corner of Church and Green st. |
| Old King's Orchard "Planting the seeds of hope" Dr. Joseph King, one of Decatur's most widely known physicians, came here in 1837. Born in West Virginia, he was educated for the medical proffesion in Cincinnati, in 1842, Dr. King married Marrietta Packard, daughter of Silas and Lydia Packard. The hause which he built at the notheast corner or Edward and Marietta streets was a landmard for years, both because of the apple orchard, and in a day when Decatur had few recreation spots, the orchard took the place of a park for that section of town. In 1999, the Old King's Orchard Community Center Board was incorporated as a NOT-FOR-PROFIT organazation. Our mission is to bring a community center to the area and to ulrimately revitalize the neighborhood. In January of 2000, the Inner City Community Pact and the OKO Community Center Board joined forces and by the spring of 2001 the OKO Community Center was completed. "The Vision" Just as the core is located in the center of an apple, Old Kings's Orchard is located in the center of Decatur. If the core is bad, it is not long until the decay spreads through the apple, and eventually onto the nice, shiny peel. If the deterioration of the inner city is not stopped, it will eventually spread throughout the city of Decatur. To enhance the city, we are here "planting the seeds of hope". With additonal support and community involvement, more lives can grow strong and as a result, will create a healthier community. |
| OKO Community Center Programs YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS ~Parish Nurse ~Senior Citizen Activities After School Educational Program ~Computer classes- Typing, word processing, and presentation design ~Tutoring- Mentoring and teaching students to improve academic areas ~Boy Scouts- teaching valuble life skills ~Girl Scouts- Providing an outlet for self esteem and life skills ~U of I Extension- Nutrition lessons and activities ~ Tea Party in the Hood- Teaching the value of manners and good etiquette in public and at home ~Adult Education G.E.D.- Helping everyone get a good education SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM ~Sports Teams- Utilizing individual talents and learning teamwork ~Tumbling- Combining creativity and physical ability with finding the balance between competition and good sportsmanship ~Field Trips- Providing opportunities to travel and get a well-rounded perspective of the city and surrounding areas ~Cultural Exchange- Produces visual, easy to understand educational materials, encompassing all aspects of health safety and suvival |
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