Kevin Hayes recalls childhood good times at the Neighborhood House, even when sundown approached and it was time to head home.
“We would all head home together, each of us peeling off one by one as we reached our homes,” Hayes said. “It was like a parade. It showed the camaraderie that we had with one another.”
Today, patrons of the South Side community center are marching again, this time in a quest to save the Neighborhood House, which closed prior to the holidays due to a funding pinch at long-time sponsor Samaritas, formerly known as Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.
Kevin Hayes is part of a nine-member rescue crew that has acquired ownership, named “The Nabe,” reflecting their youthful slang for the neighborhood beacon at Russell and Gilmore, where they gathered for fun and games and special events.
He is joined by sibling Greg Hayes, Jimmie Bentley, James Carthan, Ray Jones, Charles Parks and a trio of Pratt family members — Alvin, Tricia and Michael.
“We are taking care of our community,” explains Tricia Pratt.
None of the nine is an expert. They say they will learn as they proceed, with a future made even more uncertain because of the Covid-19 outbreak. They have started to meet with a grant-writing specialist, with aims to gain proper non-profit 501(c)(3) status.
Their efforts are dedicated to past supervisors at The Nabe, Ray Culpepper (1935 to 2011) and also Edd Roberson (1951 to 2011), who knew all of their names and always offered special talks that were teamed with kind words for all of them.
All the while, memories will linger as they move forward with cleanup and restoration inside the facility during winter and outdoors when spring arrives.
“I remember the boxing ring, where I made Michael Pratt cry,” jokes Charles Parks.
Actually, Michael and Alvin are joining as spokesmen in pursuit of more supporters who will offer volunteer time, effort and donated supplies. For instance, The Nabe is looking for both paint and for painters to brush a few sore spots that exist. Any gifts of cash would be good as well.
To learn more about The Nabe and to support their efforts, email AP1Jams@yahoo.com or badeepratt@yahoo.com.
