About Us
History
What began in 1967 with an anonymous donation of fifty dollars to feed migrant workers has grown into a community-wide service provider. Initially established by St. Paul Catholic Church as St. Martin De Porres Center, The St. Martin Community Center is now an independent, 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation presided over by a board of directors.
Milestones
| 1967 | A person from St. Paul Catholic Church made an anonymous donation to feed migrant workers. |
| 1983 | Kay Watson began serving free, hot meals beginning at 11:00am (The only free meal in Grant County at that time) |
| 1993 | St. Martin De Porres Center is Incorporated and becomes a 501 c 3 |
| 1995 | Fire destroys St. Martin De Porres Center, Inc. |
| 1995-1997 | Meals are cooked at 1st United Methodist Church and served at Gethsemane Episcopal Church |
| 1997 | St. Martin is rebuilt. The new building is 15,200 sq and unofficially renamed St. Martin Community Center |
| 1999 | Kay's Kitchen becomes a United Way participating program. |
| 2002 | A $200,000 impact Grant is provided by The Community Foundation for a 3,800 sq addition. The new addition includes a larger food pantry, conference room and a storage building. |
| 2004 | A computer lab was installed and various educational programs began. Retired our outstanding mortgage. |
| 2005 | Coats for Kids program is added. Bridges to Health, a free health clinic, independent from St. Martin occupies the space between the dinning room and the food pantry rent free. |
| 2006 | Kids Café begins at St. Martin. Kay's Kitchen begins serving meals on Saturday. St. Martin gives more space to Bridges to Health for an ophthalmologist room and an additional exam room. |
| 2007 | Kids Cafe becomes a United Way participating program |