Joseph YekulisSt. Louis Center is announcing the retirement of Public Relations Director Joseph Yekulis, effective Friday July 30, 2021. Yekulis has held this position since September 1, 2005, and prior to that had been a member of the SLC Community Advisory Council from 1994-2004. During his time at the Center, he has seen many changes take place to improve the facilities for the residents who reside there with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“An incredible transformation took place when we began the ‘Legacy’ capital campaign following the 50th Anniversary in 2010, said Yekulis. We began by creating a new Welcome and Orientation Center in 2011, then came the Special Needs Playground in 2013, the Assisted Living program in Fr. Guanella Hall in 2014, and the Children’s Homes in St. Louis Guanella Village in 2018. With the closing of the Children’s Program this year, those homes are now being converted into Adult Foster Care Homes. Five more buildings were added to the Village at the end of 2020, and eventually just about all of the residents living on campus will have his/her own room.”

Reflecting on his time at St. Louis Center, Yekulis said, “I want to thank all of the people from the community who have helped St. Louis Center along the way, especially the folks who have supported our golf outings, fundraising dinners and the special events that I’ve been privileged to MC and write about. St. Louis Center has a regional following that includes the Catholic Diocese of Lansing, the Italian American Community in Oakland and Macomb Counties and the Knights of Columbus throughout Michigan. They’ve all become special friends on a personal level, and being here has been a special part of my life.”

“There are many wonderful people who care about people with developmental disabilities, and it’s been a privilege to get to know everyone who has been a part of the St. Louis Center family for the past 27 years.” – Joe Yekulis

Joe and his wife Denise have two dogs Stella and Betsy Ross, and are residents of Chelsea, where they have lived for the past 41 years. Joe will continue his work in the Knights of Columbus as the head of the 4th Degree in the Lansing and Kalamazoo Dioceses.

To read more:  Press Release July 27, 2021 – PR Director Joe Yekulis Retires from St. Louis Center