I’d like to take you on a journey to the West-side of our fair city. The name of the place is the; Wesley Center. A Non Profit organization, and you’ll find them located at; 3730 Delphos Avenue. This particular center just like the good majority of Non Profit agencies in Dayton didn’t just spring up overnight. Far from it…they have been working extremely hard in the fight to better this region since 1966. You may be asking yourself; “But just what does the Wesley Center do exactly?
In the later part of December 2009, “Citizens 4 Change” Dayton had the unique opportunity to sit down with Dr. Robert Walker (Executive Director of the Wesley) and he was so kind to also take us on a guided tour. One visit and I’m certain you’ll agree…Dayton Ohio needs MORE community places just like the Wesley Center! The following are some of the Wesley’s objectives.
1. To respond to families and individuals experiencing personal crisis
2. To provide program opportunities for all age groups that will respond to actualization needs and interests
3. To provide a meeting place for and work with local community groups that will respond to neighborhood concerns and gray service areas.
4. To be a supportive agency to community endeavors and build bridges of understanding between people in the community and throughout the Greater Dayton Community.
In ADDITION to helping HOUSE, FEED and CLOTHE residents, the Wesley also provides job training classes. In addition to even all of this they provide transportation for residents to medical appointments, via an internally operated shuttle-bus style system. All of this of course is conducted by volunteers! You see, the REAL strength of the Wesley Center lies in their ability to multitask and connect with each and every individual who walks through those doors. They're instantly made to feel like a member of an extended family, and walking through the cozy facility feels akin to walking through your own house. The atmosphere is just that comfortable.
This is a sampling of some of the Senior Programs which the Wesley Center has in place.
In-house activities to include: Bingo, Ceramics, Jewelry, Exercise, Bible Study, Computer Classes, Movies, Love Quilting.
Monday –Exercise, games, and love quilting
Tuesday – Bible Study
Wed. – Exercise and Ceramics
Thursday – Bible Study, Jewelry making, and Computer Class
Friday – Bingo and Movie day (alternate)
Blood pressure check every Monday and Friday Stats: 25-30 seniors come each week
Out-house activities: dinner,
arboretum, Wright Brother Aviation, movies
This is a sampling of some of the Youth Programs which are currently in place.
• Academic Success Youth Leadership Development Institute
• After school tutoring & monitoring
• Summer day camp
• Dayton Youth Group Drill Team
• Baseball First Dayton Little League
• Boy Scouts Girl Scouts
In closing, I’d like to thank Dr. Robert Walker and his staff for their gracious hospitality. It was indeed an absolute pleasure to meet and discuss with them the Wesley Center mission. Thank you!
Wesley Center Food Pantry (M l2p-3p, T-F lO:l5a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
Over 3,200 individuals, including children served per year.
Clothing Boutique (Same hours as Pantry, Closed Friday)
Donations of new and gently used clothing from churches, businesses and individuals aid over 280 individuals per month.
The Wesley Center;
3730 Delphos Avenue
Dayton, Ohio.
937-263-3556
www.WesleyCenterDayton.org
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