ABOUT US
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. M.I. Lewis Social Service Center emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words.
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The mission of the M.I. Lewis Social Service Center is to render aid to individuals with emergency needs, to make referrals to other agencies for additional support and to encourage its clients toward self-sufficiency.
Our History
Early 1960’s
The Dickinson Ministerial Alliance brought the original service center into being in the early 1960’s. That original service center was designed to represent a small interfaith group dedicated to serving those in need.
After a few years, this center was further developed by the Dickinson Community Charity Council and the Reverend M. I. Lewis, who was pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church.
Around that time, the center became a member of the Mainland Communities United Way of Galveston County, Texas.
Late 1970’s
The Social Service Center was renamed in honor of Reverend M. I. Lewis at his death to memorialize his forceful and positive support of the Center’s stated mission to assist those in need within the community.
In the late 1970’s, an average of 80 clients were seen each week by caseworkers at M. I. Lewis Social Service Center.
Mid 2000’s
As the population increased, so did the emergency needs of the community. It was then that the Board of Directors decided to relocate the center to a larger facility.
Because of the larger space, the center is now able to host a bigger food pantry and provide more services to those in crisis.
Today we assist an average of over 100 clients per week.