we do best, which is to serve our community and make sure they are taken care of.”
Northside Youth and Senior Service Center: A Beacon of Hope for St. Louis’ Northside Neighborhoods
By Sophia Black, Washington University Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement 2025 St. Louis Fellow
For nearly 50 years, the Northside Youth and Senior Service Center (NSYSSC) has been a vital resource for the residents of St. Louis’ Northside neighborhoods. Through their youth after-school and summer programs, senior meal delivery, and transportation services, NSYSSC has become a beacon of hope for the community.
NSYSSC’s senior service program began in 1973 with congregate meals for seniors and those in need. Over the years, with the help of funding from the Community Development Administration (CDA) and the Community Development Block Grants program (CDBG), NSYSSC has been able to expand their services to what they are today.
One of the most crucial services provided by NSYSSC is their Meals on Wheels program. This program delivers hot, nutritious meals to around 300 seniors each weekday, providing a lifeline for those who have difficulty leaving their homes.
But NSYSSC’s impact goes beyond their regular services. When a tornado struck on May 16th, 2021, NSYSSC stepped up in a major way. With entire blocks left without power, gas, or running water, NSYSSC became a lifeline for the affected residents. They distributed nearly 2,000 meals per day and provided basic necessities to those in need.
Executive Director Leon Threat expressed his gratitude for the community’s support during this crisis, saying, “We’re blessed to be part of a community that holds us close—that’s what allowed us to show up when people needed us most.”
NSYSSC’s preparedness and resilience were also put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, they continued to serve their community, providing 400-500 meals per day.
Through their dedication and the support of volunteers, local restaurants, and aid services, NSYSSC has proven to be a vital resource for the North St. Louis community. As Threat puts it, “We had to do what we do best, which is to serve our community and make sure they are taken care of.
