Christian Activity Center

"Caring for Kids in East St. Louis" What is CAC?: The Christian Activity Center (CAC) operates as a school-after-school, ministering to urban children and youth, ages 5-18, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Each child in CAC's care is offered a hot dinner meal, reading and math classes, homework help, computer training, fine arts, recreation, medical care, college access mentoring, workforce training, and spiritual development opportunities (bible study, devotions, etc.) on a daily basis. Why We're Here: "CAC exists in a region where the deck is stacked against kids." There's a 1 in 28 chance of falling victim to a violent crime in East St. Louis- whereas the nationwide average sits a 1 in 250 chance. The Department of Housing and Urban Development called East St. Louis "the most distressed small city in America." For these reasons, we not only find it necessary to keep kids off the mean streets that surround them, but find it our duty to raise them into responsible, equipped adults that will someday change the story for the city. Where We Came From: Rooted in Baptist work that spans more than a century in East St. Louis, CAC began as a language center for immigrants in 1887, and transitioned into a youth center in the 1980s in response to the astronomical juvenile crime rate. Executive Director Rev. Chet Cantrell came to CAC in 19889 when 50% of neighborhood youth were gang affiliates. Today, that figure is under 3%. Incorporated in 204, CAC continues its heritage of caring for kids in East St. Louis as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our Mission: To prepare youth in East St. Louis for successful futures spiritually, academically, and physically.