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By: Cheryl Smith
November 9, 2006
DALLAS - Long before Jeffries Street
Learning Center became a reality, the area around
its eventual home was considered to be one of the
worst places to live in Dallas, said Levi Williams.
High crime, drugs, murders, you name it-the area was
very undesirable.
As the director of community relations for the Dallas
Police Department, Mr. Williams knew firsthand the
trappings awaiting young people who "don't have anything
to do with their time once they leave school." The
kids deserved better, he believed.
So does founder Linda Walker and that is why today
the Jeffries Street Learning Center is one of the
city's jewels.
When you mention Jeffries Street Learning Center to
children in the neighborhood, you're sure to see smiles.
And if you talk to the parents of children who have
participated in programs at the Center, you will immediately
understand why it is so important in their lives.
If you listen to Matrice Ellis Kirk, you will believe
that any money you have available should go to the
Center.
Dallas' former first lady has long touted the successes
of the Learning Center, once saying "if you really
want to see your money put to good use, you should
consider giving it to Jeffries Street Learning Center."
Another long-time supporter and advisory board member
Ramona Logan agrees.
As the chairperson of the Center's 20th Anniversary
Gala, Ms. Logan has been working tirelessly, tapping
resources to benefit a place where more than 60 youth
attend daily, just for tutoring. This does not include
all of the other activities and programs that are
available at this Mecca for area youth.
For her, it is a labor of love.
"Jeffries Street is a wonderful place," said Ms. Logan,
who is one of Dallas' long-standing television journalists,
working at NBC for over 20 years. "So many children
and adults are helped there."
Located at 3001 Grand Avenue, in "Sunny South Dallas,"
Jeffries Street Learning Center focuses on combating
illiteracy, "by providing educational learning opportunities."
The Center is the brainchild of Ms. Walker. Originally
from Marshall, Texas, she was living in Cleveland,
Ohio, before returning home to the Lone Star State
where she "saw a need."
Talk about passionate. Ms. Walker, who also worked
in real estate, found her calling when she reached
out to help others.
She said she wanted to give area youth something to
do other than "standing on the corner being a good-eye
for drug dealers."
Instead of continuing to watch youth wander aimlessly,
she acted.
She, along with help from Mr. Williams and realtor
Harold Duncan, put a plan into action.
Miss Walker had a dream of giving these future leaders
something constructive to do with their time, once
their school day had come to an end.
In addition to a place for those latch-key kids whose
parents were still at work when they got home from
school, Ms. Walker also knew that many of the neighborhood's
children could benefit from having a place where they
could go and get help with their homework.
In earlier days, that haven was a two-bedroom apartment
with one bedroom housing four computers, which were
donated by her then-employer, IBM. Ms. Walker actually
used one of the dwellings in her apartment building
as the birthplace of Jeffries Street Learning Center.
Children from the community came there for help, especially
with reading and math-or just for the attention they
received from volunteers. Many were from homes where
their parents were working or not at home in the afternoons
and Jeffries Street became a safe place to spend their
time with adult supervision.
Then too, said Mr. Williams, there were the children
who went home to parents who could not help them with
their school work. That's where the Learning Center
proved invaluable, as well.
Coming to the Center was a way to get these young
children involved and unbeknownst to them, it was
a way to impact the crime rate in the area.
"Education is the key, economics is the key to crime
reduction," explained Mr. Williams, who had extensive
experience as a counselor for the City's First Offender
Program.
"If we can increase the economic and educational levels
for people in any community, it would reduce crime."
Currently, Mr. Williams serves as the president of
the board of directors for Jeffries Street Learning
Center.
His work with the police department, as well as his
involvement in numerous community activities, displays
how adamant he is about building stronger communities.
For him education is a critical issue.
"There is nothing more important in life that I can
be doing," he said. "In order for me to be involved
in something that could improve the quality of life
for kids, for me that is the most rewarding thing.
"I can remember when we were giving kids $10 for an
'A' and $5 for a 'B'."
Ms. Walker echoes his sentiments.
Looking back on the earlier years when supplies, space
and support was limited, she proudly talks about their
facility, which is now a freestanding building complete
with a gymnasium and classrooms that are equipped
with computer bays.
"There is so much going on at Jeffries Street," said
Ms. Walker, who also holds down a full-time job at
Guaranty Federal Bank. "We have GED classes for adults
and collaborations with Brookhaven Community College
and others-- including the Dallas After School All
Stars."
Although Jeffries Street began as a haven and support
system for youth, the Center also provides a summer
program and a special treat for senior citizens. "We
offer the First Tuesday Club," explained Ms. Walker.
"Seniors come in play bingo and enjoy one another's
company."
And she has many success stories about former students
who are working, have graduated college or even come
back to volunteer.
She encourages others to come out, as well.
"Come out and touch our youth," she said. "We need
volunteers, especially to help out with providing
one-on-one tutoring.
"A lot of kids don't have that type of assistance
and we want to keep providing it."
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