History - Spartan Community Center of Hazelwood

History Snapshot

Our Journey, Our Roots

The Spartan Community Center now stands where St. Stephen’s Grade School once operated. Together with St. Stephen’s Church, these two buildings were central to education and worship for residents of the Greater Hazelwood area. The organization also organized a variety of community and social gatherings that welcomed all neighborhood residents, regardless of their connection to the school or involvement in church activities.

After the Diocese considered selling the building, Tom Cline and a group of alumni secured its transfer to the alumni, who established a unique non-profit community center serving everyone living in Hazelwood and neighboring areas.

The Spartan Community Center of Hazelwood delivers educational programs, social services, recreational activities, and community support to residents of Greater Hazelwood. Located in the former St. Stephen’s School building, the center accommodates nonprofit organizations such as Meals on Wheels/Fishes & Loves and Center of Life. The Spartan Center collaborates with universities, businesses, and various groups to facilitate meetings and service provision, and offers event spaces suitable for celebrations and memorials accessible to all members of the community.

The primary objective and goal of the Spartan Center is to provide classroom and office space to be leased at below market rate, for other nonprofits which also serve the community. In addition, the Center offers a newly remodeled hall and commercial grade kitchen for banquets and events.