LEWISTON – Unless a way is found to keep it open, the Wisdom Center, a downtown drop-in spot for disadvantaged women, will close June 20.

Sister Chris Koellhoffer, director of communications for the Daughters of Wisdom in Islip, N.Y., said Monday the center on Bates Street is closing after a congregation study concluded the order can no longer sustain it.

While a variety of factors played into the decision, the larger one is the aging population of priests and nuns and fewer people joining their ranks, Sister Koellhoffer said.

Women who come to the Bates Street center have problems ranging from loneliness to addiction to mental health. It is staffed by three nuns, two of them past retirement age.

The Daughters of Wisdom is exploring with other groups ways the center can be kept open, “but there’s nothing definite,” Koellhoffer said. “A lot of time, energy and great dedication has been put into the Wisdom Center,” she said. “Nobody wants to see the good work end.”

There is “one glimmer of hope, one-fourth of an inch big,” said Sister Irene Arsenault of Lewiston, the center’s administrator. Women who serve on the center’s advisory council and volunteers are interested in keeping the center open.

“Right now they’re just talking about it. The Daughters of Wisdom would be delighted if that’s possible,” she said. “There really is such a need.”

In the past month there’s been an increase of women seeking support at the center. “Probably because so many services have been cut, a lot of caseworkers are recommending” the center, Sister Arsenault said.

Some women come to enjoy tea and conversation; others to take part in activities. Those include monthly workshops offered by professionals, such as how to manage money, looking your best at the holidays, and information about alcohol and psychiatric drugs. “All kinds of self-esteem issues,” Sister Arsenault said.

Different crafts are offered each day, including knitting, scrap-booking, crocheting, “and by popular demand, bingo,” she said.

The center also offers support groups, including one on coping with losing your children to someone else. The support groups cover painful but important topics, Sister Arsenault said.

Some women who come are lonely, others are referred from agencies.

Sometimes women need someone to talk to. “We’re not counselors, but we listen and redirect them,” Sister Arsenault said.

Although the center is run by a Catholic organization, there is no teaching of religion.

“Our purpose is to help women. We are open to all cultures and all religions,” Sister Arsenault said.

The center has been financially supported by the Daughters of Wisdom “and grants, when we could get them,” said Sister Arsenault. All services are free. “We don’t charge anything.”

The center opened in September 1999 in a house at 91 Sabattus St. It moved to its present location near the former St. Dominic Regional High School in 2002 when it outgrew the small home. That year, it served an average of 30 women daily, providing a safe place to talk, learn a hobby and socialize.

Sister Arsenault, originally from Madawaska, has served at the center for nine years. She said she came to Lewiston because she wanted to help women and their children.” The closing “is sad,” she said.

The other nuns from the more than 300-year-old order are Sister Maureen Hurley and Sister Mona Guerrette. The order has served in the United States for more than 100 years.

Decisions on where the nuns will go have not been made, Sister Arsenault said.

To reach Sister Arsenault about the center, call 784-0155.