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1940'S - MAJOR CHANGES
The newly organized Woman’s Society of Christian Service became the sponsor of Community House. Lela Powers continued as director, assisted by Katherine Strover and a number of volunteers. A new innovation in program was introduced by the Youth Commonwealth, an organization of the Grand Rapids Police Department working with older boys in the area.
Having served at the Community House for 15 years, Miss Powers was granted a sabbatical year for rest and study. Lillian Ellis was appointed director. Around this time, the fire department served notice that the building was about to be condemned as unsafe for children. It was estimated $20,000 would be needed to refurbish the building. The nursery school was discontinued and other programs were moved to different locations.