amarillo chamber of commerce - HPN Books

Wesley Community Centerwas founded in 1951. MariaFields and other United MethodistWomen of Polk Street MethodistChurch began community outreachin a building donated bythe Seay family. For sixty years, itsmission has been to see all individualsrealize positive self worth.Seeking always to maximize bothindividual potential and communityempowerment, the center’spurpose is to respond to theexpressed needs of the community.That response is accomplished through aprogram of educational, recreational, and spiritualactivities for children, youth, and adults ofall races and faiths. The center serves all ages,providing integrated services under one roofwith a focus on twelve primary programs.Programs for the youngest include licenseddaycare and Pre-Kindergarten from six weeksto five years old. Children from Kindergartento sixth grade attend after school programsand camp during the summer months. Areayouth have the opportunity to participate inthe United Way supported “Behind theScenes” youth modeling program whosemission is to enhance the lives of youth byfostering resilience, promoting self-esteem andbuilding leadership skills. Other youth programsinclude wrestling and scouting. UnitedWay also supports our senior citizen’s program.The center offers counseling services to peopleof all ages. Current Executive Director BelindaGonzales Taylor, M. Ed., LPC-S provides counselingservices and supervises graduate internsfrom the WTAMU counseling department.In 1981 the center built the current 27,000square foot facility at 1615 South Roberts nextto its original location. The building was constructedwith funds raised under the leadershipof Reverend Jacinto Alderete, the center’sexecutive director from 1967 to 1998. In additionto the wide array of services offered byWesley Community Center, other organizationshaving a collaborative relationship withthe center also offer opportunities to arearesidents. Partnering organizations range fromBoy Scouts of America to the Amarillo Opera.Organizations like Leadership Amarillo/Canyon conduct various trainings, and LosBarrios de Amarillo uses the center for meetingsand organizing Step Up to Success YouthLeadership Conferences twice each year.Other Services include free legal clinicsprovided by Legal Aid of Northwest Texasand immigration clinics provided byRepresentative Mac Thornberry’s office. Othercollaborative community support comes fromarea colleges and universities as well as entitiessuch as the United States Marines withprojects like Toys for Tots. Wesley CommunityCenter empowers and supports each person inreaching their best potential while enhancingcommunity and neighborhood.WESLEYCOMMUNITYCENTER, INC.Above: The Seay family, early Amarillopioneers, donated the historic first WesleyCommunity Center Building.Left: The Wesley Community Center is awelcoming presence in its neighborhood.QUALITY OF LIFE205