Wesley House Community Center, Inc.

We seek to provide a ‘Hand Up’ to those in need.

Many Services – One Mission. Since 1904, Wesley House in Meridian has been in mission to help underprivileged, neglected, and abused people learn to help themselves. Wesley House provides a holistic approach in providing resources to those in need. A “hand up” is offered rather than a “hand out” so that people are able to retain their dignity and regain their independence. 

In 1904, a group of women from Central United Methodist wanted to help women and children in Meridian’s cotton-mill community. They began by teaching the wives of the mill workers to sew and their children to read Bible stories. Poverty and illiteracy were rampant, and the Methodist ladies responded with generosity, finding shoes for barefoot children, warm clothes, toys, and food at Christmas. In the 1930’s, a small wood-frame cottage was donated to what is now known as the Wesley Community House. In the 70’s, the cottage could no longer handle the growing programs, and a modern 10,000 square foot facility was built.

 

 

 

As time went on and things changed, Wesley House adjusted to the needs of the community. Still under the charter of the United Methodist Women, Wesley House Community Center houses four agencies under one roof; Christian Relief, Education, Child Advocacy Center, and Sexual Assault Crisis Center.

Christian Relief:

  1. Clothing closet on Friday mornings.
  2. Food pantry distribution on Wednesday 1-4 pm.  Each household is eligible for a food bag per month and Wesley House gives nearly 1500 bags each month.
  3. Prescription medication assistance.
  4. Utility/rent/mortgage assistance.  They are aligned with Atmos Gas and their ‘Share the Warmth’ program.

Education: 

  1. Wesley Wonders Pre-School (2 - 4 year old children - $65 weekly).
  2. Adult GED classes provided Monday and Wednesday (partnered with Meridian Community College).

Child Advocacy Center & Sexual Assault Crisis Center: 

  1. Serves much of East Mississippi.
  2. The Sexual Assault Crisis Center has a 24-hour hotline with trained counselors on call. Wesley House works with Child Protective Services and Law Enforcement within the Child Advocacy Center. When a report is made of child abuse, Wesley House gets that report and coordinators with CSP and Law enforcement.
  3. Trauma counseling provided for children.

Rev. David Schultz, Executive Director, Wesley House community Center, Inc. says, “Working with other agencies in our area is a great experience. When we collaborate, we can do so much more. So many times we hear ‘thank you’ from our clients, and I wish I could pass those thanks on to the real donors who made that food or help available. We appreciate the help of the Chamber in sharing our mission. We are blessed to be between individuals with resources and individuals with needs.  We do our best to be good stewards of what’s given, to provide for others.”

Wesley House Community Center, Inc.
1520 8th St., Meridian, MS