|
http://www.wilkinsoncenter.org/
<< visit website
Categories: Hunger/Poverty, [ view all ]
The Wilkinson Center Charity Profile
Our Mission: The Wilkinson Center cooperates with people in need who desire to create a better life, so they may reach their God-given potential and sustain themselves with dignity.
After seeing a child dig in a dumpster for food, The Reverend Clayton Lewis (then pastor of Munger Place United Methodist Church) resolved that should never happen in Dallas. In 1982, he began programs to assist families with food and clothing, which was greatly needed due to the rapid growth in poverty and a decline in Methodist church membership in East Dallas in the early 1980's. Through the shared vision of Reverend Lewis and members from the Highland Park United Methodist Church: Ruth Altshuler, Jim Francis, and Reverend Leighton Farrell; the East Dallas Cooperative Parish was formed providing the churches a jumpstart to become thriving outposts of service for their neighborhoods in need. From humble beginnings, The Wilkinson Center (then the Munger Place Emergency Services Center) was formed. It wasn't until 1985 when Ruby Wilkinson, a volunteer, passed away and her family gave the Center a generous gift, did the Church change the name to The Wilkinson Center. It has now grown into one of the largest comprehensive poverty prevention agencies in Dallas, serving the needs of the poorest and most crime-ridden neighborhoods.
The Wilkinson Center utilizes a holistic approach in combating poverty. Our programs are designed to work with the entire family, to empower them to help themselves break the cycle of poverty. The Wilkinson center’s programs are two-tiered: We first address the immediate family needs through our Food Pantry and emergency services. Second tier programs begin to move families out of poverty through case management and programs designed to provide the tools and skills necessary to assist them in achieving economic self-sufficiency. Social services, Adult Education programs and our free CLIMB After-School and Summer Program all work together in harmony to provide each family the resources to create a “pathway out of poverty” tailored for their unique circumstances.
The Wilkinson Center serves over 34,000 clients each year. Half those served are children. One hundred percent of our programs serve low-income families for whom hunger is a reality and homelessness is always a possibility. The Wilkinson Center strives to offer hope and a hand-up to people living in poverty.
 |
The Wilkinson Center Volunteer Information
We have many volunteer opportunities available.
|
The Wilkinson Center
