Celebrating 75 Years: 1949-2024
It all begins with an vision. Among over 1.5 billion websites, our story sets us apart. Since 1949, Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc. has pursued a mission to enhance economic, educational, and spiritual growth through excellence in early learning care and services for women, children, and families.
The Founding Vision
Wesley Community Centers was founded in 1949 by Ms. Gertrude Green, an African-American social worker at the Department of Family and Children Services. Recognizing the urgent need for daycare for children of working African-American mothers, Ms. Green began meeting in 1948 with local leaders, including Rev. Arthur Curtwright, Rev. George Clary, and Dr. William K. Payne, to establish a childcare center.
In 1949, with support from the Methodist Church and the Methodist Women Missionaries, Savannah's Bethlehem Center opened its doors in a borrowed facility, serving 25 children. The Women's Society of Christian Service funded the center, marking the beginning of a partnership dedicated to addressing the needs of children and families.
Milestones in Wesley’s Growth
1959: Wesley became a United Methodist Mission Institution and joined the United Way of Coastal Georgia, further expanding its impact.
1972: Bethlehem Center merged with Inner City Community Center, adopting its current name, Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc.
2000: Wesley opened an inclusive Women's Center, welcoming women and families of diverse races, nationalities, and socioeconomic backgrounds to learn, share, and work toward personal and community transformation.
A New Home and Renewed Mission
Under the leadership of Rev. W. Hamp Watson, Jr., District Superintendent of the Savannah District of the United Methodist Church (1979–1984), Wesley acquired its current property at 1601 Drayton Street. This move was made possible through a successful financial campaign spearheaded by Frank Wooten, President of Kaiser Agricultural Chemical Corporation and a member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.
Mr. Wooten’s dedication and influence in the Savannah community secured significant corporate and private donations, enabling the purchase of the new site. This space provided Wesley with the resources needed to continue serving the poor and expand its programs.
Reatha Stevens, then Executive Director, led Wesley’s transition to its new home, launching innovative programs while continuing its mission to uplift Savannah's underserved communities. Reflecting on the achievement, Rev. Watson said, “Had it not been for the leadership of Frank Wooten, we would not have been able to occupy this wonderful new space to launch programs for the poor of Savannah.”
Celebrating the Legacy
As we celebrate 75 years of service, we honor the visionaries who laid the foundation and the countless individuals who continue to shape our story. Wesley Community Centers remains steadfast in its mission to transform lives, fostering economic stability, educational opportunities, and spiritual growth for generations to come.
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