Advancing the Kingdom

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a permanent address within the boundaries
of LaSalle Park Urban Renewal Project just
two blocks south of the Tower. Ralston Purina
Company has supported Kingdom House
educational programs since 1971.
In keeping with the social welfare
tradition, Kingdom House provides many
services to the poor inner-city communities
that surround it...
Kingdom House is presently supported
by various United Methodist church
organizations, the United Fund, the federal
government, fees generated from its own
programs and private donations.
...Twenty parents and one of their children
participate in the program. Past research on
the reading program shows that parents who
participate in this type of program often teach
other members of the family and persons
107
Chapter Three: ‘Suffer the Children…’ (1956 – 1977)
outside the family what they
have learned.
Parents are paid a
stipend of $2 for each
session attended. The reason is a simple
one. ‘Our target population is, by any
standard, poor,’ says Chad. Parents who
attend the sessions often use the money to
pay babysitting fees while they are away from
home.
At the end of the 16-week period, an
evaluation will be made...[Dan explains]
‘At that time we will decide where to go
from there. Our main purpose is to construct
programs that will benefit people.’47
Malcolm Bliss Mental Health Center
also played a role in the math program,
noting in their May publication that
“Kingdom House is the location where
‘Teach Parents to Teach Math’ classes
are held; “Nearby Ralston Purina gave
$1,225.00 and Stephens College Alumna
Afternoon Club gave $450.00 for the
program.”48
After twenty-three years of service,
Ralph Koeppe decided the time had come
to retire, and requested the Board accept
his resignation. During his tenure at
Kingdom House, he doubled the number
of people participating in programs. He
successfully integrated the agency, not
only as far as clients were concerned,
but also Kingdom House staff and Board
members. He oversaw the construction
of a new Kingdom House – one that was
built solidly on the successes of the old.
Koeppe continued to serve a period of
months until his successor, Reverend
Eugene Morse, was named Executive
Director in 1978.
E
F
Photos:
E: Sharing a snack
F: Daycare playground
After twenty-
three years of
service, Ralph
Koeppe decided
the time had come
to retire, and
requested the
Board accept his
resignation.