A Hub for Summer Meals

Tucked away in the Germano Millgate Apartment complex, the Center of Higher Development serves as a resource hub for the community. The Center offers summer camp, is an open Summer Meals site, runs an After-school program in the fall, and opens its computer lab to adults in the surrounding area.

Director of the Center, Donna Evans or “Ms. D” as the kids call her has been affiliated with the Summer Meals programs for 10 years. “The kids get excited about the meals. They love the sandwiches and the chocolate milk,” said Evans.

Donna Evans during lunchtime

Prior to becoming Director, Evans ran the computer lab. “It is fulfilling to see kids come in after-school and be happy that they have someplace to go. They want to get on the computers to work, play games, and have a good time. In here it’s a safe haven where kids don’t have to worry.”

The Center of Higher Development is a Summer Meals site of Food Service Professionals (FSP). FSP is under the Archdioceses of Chicago umbrella.

Evans sees her work as a calling, “I’m blessed to be able to be here and do this for the kids”.