Philip C. Hoelle S.M. 1912-2005

The Dakota Center is a community service center primarily devoted to offering educational and social programs to youth, adults, and seniors on Dayton's West side. Our ultimate goal is to assist our clients to become self-reliant, productive citizens who contribute to the community. The center is currently in its fourth decade of service tracing back to the vision that our founder, Philip J. Hoelle, S.M. , had of building a community where there is education for the whole person. Since that time, we have become a landmark in the area and offer a full program of activities. Clients number more than 1,350 who are involved in two or more programs per year. These accomplishments include students kept in school and alumni who contribute to society. Fr. Hoelle passed away in 2005, but his spirit has continued to inspire us to carry on and seize opportunities for important service each day.

Dakota Center Co-Founder William Hoben

William J. Hoben, who along with Fr. Philip Hoelle SM, founded the Dakota Center in 1965, passed away December 2, 2009 at 82 after a long illness. The former Dean of Business Administration of The University of Dayton also formed the Dayton Alliance for Minority Enterprise in the 1970's along with civic leaders.

"Bill Hoben and Fr. Hoelle were men of God who had tremendous vision and laid a solid foundation which has enabled the Dakota Center to continue to serve our community for over 40 years." Jerry VonderBrink Board member and former Board President said.

Mission

Vision

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