Celess "Mae Francis" Broadnax was born July 17, 1934. By the age of 21 years old was an unwed mother of four children living in the center of East St. Louis. Despite being a teen mother, a domestic violence survivor, and not having the best upbringing, Celess never let her circumstances make her a victim. She always found ways to provide the best life possible for herself and her children, putting herself through school, teaching them the value of a good education, and showing up for them no matter what.

 

 

The Value of Community

Though she did not have much family support, the opposite could be said about her community. They would come together to provide rides for her and the children back and forth to school. When her boys played sports their coaches stepped in as additional father figures to help keep them in line and focused on their school work.

 

Eventually Celess landed on her feet in the medical field, where she found her true passion, serving other. Here she got to spread endless love and healing people all over the Metro East St. Louis Region.

 

Over the years, she prided herself on being an effective part of the community, often working with children, young adults, and other abuse survivors to help them achieve their own dreams and desires.

Celess' children followed in her footsteps by becoming a Social Worker, School Superintendent, and Educators. Her legacy of education and community service continues to inspire and transform lives today.

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After Celess' passing in 2002

 

Her eldest child, Augustine, hit the ground running gaining all the knowledge needed to keep her mother's dream alive. She continued working with Illinois DCFS, earned master's degree from Fontbonne University, and built connections in the community. In 2009, Augustine founded Celess Helping Hands in honor of her mother's work.

Celess Helping Hands combines Augustine's background in Social Work and Business with Celess passion for education and providing resources to underprivileged teens and young adults. Over the years, Celess Helping Hands has provided resources that include Career Readiness, Interview Preparation, hosting annual College and Career Fairs, and working with small businesses in the community to give back whenever possible.

Our Goal is to expand our programs Nationwide. Providing workshops, fairs, and facilities for college and career classes to be held at no cost to the students.

With your support, we know it is possible!

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