"Two of the primary goals I had when I began this ministry in August of 1999 were stewardship and hospitality. I wanted to create a space that was warm, clean, safe and welcoming. This is not just a recreational facility - it is a place where re-creation of mind, body and spirit can take place no matter what the challenge," says Dianne Sabol, OSB, Director of Programs and Facility.

Activities at the Gym

St. Benedict Community Center is "home" to a variety of groups including the Achievement Center, Erie Homes for Children and Adults, the Erie Illusion women’s football team, Lake Erie Soccer Club, Sr. Gus’ Kids Café, and Perseus House and Achieve Your Dreams Basketball Academy.

Erie Homes for Children and Adults

"Nine years ago Erie Homes for Children and Adults’ MOVE program was looking for a community site where the individuals could meet and gather. The site had to be centrally located, wheelchair accessible and accommodating to our special needs. The Benedictine Sisters heard our requests and offered St. Benedict Community Center. We have been coming every Tuesday and Thursday ever since. Besides just using this site to gather with our friends, the MOVE participants use the large gym for a variety of projects including hosting parties, volunteer projects, craft projects and games.

Throughout the year EHCA uses the spacious area to hold dance classes with Dafmark Dance studios with a final public performance held in the spring. There is no other facility in the area that has met the challenges that we have demanded with such hospitality. St. Benedict Community Center has exceeded our expectations in being able to provide quality care for our individuals."

Debra Niland, MOVE Director
Erie Homes for Children and Adults

Kids Café

"The gym program with Sister Dianne is essential to Kids Café. While our primary goal is to feed children, it is so obvious that they also need healthy, active, constructive play! I am amazed at the amount of energy our children have as they enter our door after school. They absolutely delight in running, playing ball, jumping rope and dancing.

I love to be able to send our two groups of children to the gym and they love it, too. It is so good for them to spend their time and energy in constructive, supervised play! I even think God delights in children at play! Keep the doors open, Sister, and let the children keep coming!"

Ann Dwyer Vinca, Coordinator
Sr. Gus’ Kids Café

Achievement Center

As a recreational therapist serving children with physical disabilities 'St. Ben's' is my strength and conditioning clinic, my inclusion center, my tool for mainstreaming dreams, my adapted sports clinic, my arts & crafts and games room and my second office.

For the children I serve it is the neighborhood gym for wheelchair basketball, soccer, floor hockey, plays and a place for puppet shows and where merit badges are earned and so much more.

My parents see a place where their child in a wheelchair or using a walker can run and play in ways they never thought possible, in very normal ways with other children.

Truthfully, 'St. Ben's' is the place I take the kids for fun!

Bernie O'Connor, CTRS
Recreation Therapist/Achievement Center