By F. Amanda Tugade, Des Moines Register
The Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families may soon have a new owner.
Des Moines Area Community College’s Board of Directors is considering selling the center at 1171 Seventh St. to faith nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines, as well as handing the reins over to the longtime local organization to carry on its programs.
Under the college’s leadership, the center, which opened in 2013, has helped thousands of central Iowans access job training and coaching and financial education, according to a news release.
Since last year, the center has served more than 11,000 individuals — with over 1,700 turning to career coaching.
Stakeholders are seeking feedback from residents and hosting two “community conversations” before the board reconsiders the proposal on Oct. 13. The forums will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Both events will be held at the center.
All are welcome, and registration is not required, the release stated. Those interested in more updates can join an email distribution list by contacting [email protected].
“This conversation is about building on a strong foundation,” DMACC President and CEO Rob Denson said in the news release. “We believe a partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines represents the best of both worlds — aligning the center with an organization whose mission and expertise match this work, while allowing DMACC to focus on education.
“By inviting the community to weigh in, we can ensure the Center’s future is guided by those who know and use it best.”
Steve Havemann, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul, mirrored Denson’s sentiments and said he is excited for the possibility ahead.
“We’re honored at the potential to build on the incredible foundation laid by DMACC and its dedicated team,” Havemann said in the release. “This can be the next step in growing the reach and resources of the center, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of opportunity and empowerment in central Iowa.”
What’s the price tag on the center?
St. Vincent de Paul plans to purchase the center for $1 million, payable over five years, according to the news release. Programs would continue “with services adapting or expanding as future funding is renewed,” the release stated.
Because St. Vincent de Paul is a nonprofit, it hopes to “tap into new funding” such as grants to sustain and strengthen the center.
Would its iconic name change?
No.
From the name to its resources, St. Vincent de Paul plans to carry foward the Evelyn K. Davis Center’s mission and continue to support central Iowans, the release stated.
Evelyn K. Davis was a prominent Des Moines resident who advocated for Black children and families, particularly on education.
Davis opened her own day care, Tiny Tots, in 1966 as the first child care center for at-risk children in Iowa. She also created Iowa’s first day care certification program in collaboration with Iowa State University and established a free medical clinic at the House of Mercy.
She worked tirelessly as Tiny Tots’ director for over 30 years. She died in 2018.
What about the mural?
That would stay, too.
St. Vincent de Paul plans on keeping Iowa artist Jill Wells’ vibrant mural “Future,” which adorns the building’s side.
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