Mission Statement:

 “HELPING OTHERS THROUGH GOD CENTERED PRINCIPLES”   

The Mission:

 “To meet the spiritual and basic needs of families of all ages offering assistance in education and training, employment and human assistance (food, clothing, and shelter) in transitioning families toward self-sufficiency”.    

Dear Friends,

            Together, with the support of the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers, community partners and stakeholders, donors (individuals, churches, organizations, businesses), Wesley Community Center, Inc. continues to grow and strengthen its commitment to provide a safe and welcoming place, rooted in a strong Christian faith and belief, where each person is valued, accepted, respected and loved at all times.  We have been blessed to have served the West Dayton Community and the Miami Valley for forty one (41) years of continuous and integrous service.  We acknowledge that the generosity of so many has been vital to our mission and the communities we serve.

            In the midst of socio-economic and community changes, Wesley Community Center, Inc. experienced positive movement in its governance infra-structure including financial accountability, the Boards operational structure, marketing and increasing visibility, and resource and program development.  Programmatically, the investment and labor of the Wesley Community Center, Inc. staff along with its volunteers strengthen the framework for service delivery and community development that increased its ability to address existing needs as well as those that were under-resourced and emerging.  Some of the noteworthy HIGHLIGHTS for 2007 are as follows:

Human Services

            The service addresses basic human needs by providing care management and referral services.  The department’s programs supports adult self-sufficiency through employment training and placement services, GED preparation, computer training and recovery groups.

• Served 4,794 families with basic human assistance, of which 109 families live and participate in the Western Manor Program

• 112 women completed the People Taking Charge Program (PTC).  The women’s component of the twelve (12) week self-sufficiency program and  96 different           men were engaged in and/or completed the Male Awareness Program, the male component.

• The PTC established the Neighborhood Advocacy Council (NAC) which is a component that encourages program participants to become community advocates for the poor.

Weslink TCBC.  The service provides a full array of support to families, 200% of

the Federal Poverty Guideline, to promote self-sufficiency and sustainable employment.  Five agencies including Wesley Community Center, Inc., lead agency, Community Action Partnership (CAP), Dayton Urban Ministry Center, Holt Street Miracle Center and St. Paul Global Outreach Ministries served 443 families of which 73 successfully gained employment.

• West Dayton Service Network (WDSN).  Wesley Community Center is the lead agency for this five agency collaboration that is working to bring about  stable families through the delivery of human and social services targeting socially and economically challenged families.  Along with the Founders Family Center, Helping Hands Community Outreach Center, Dayton Urban Ministry Center, served 131 families with the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, Abuse and Neglect Prevention and other support services.

• Family Formation.  Wesley Community Center is a collaborating partner to the Dayton Urban League along with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) served 150 families with unifying, counseling and support resources.

Senior Services/Transportation

            The services provide transportation to senior citizens for daily attendance to congregate meal sites, medical treatment, fellowship activities and for personal needs.  Case management and intergenerational activities are also daily services.

• Provided an average of 98 unduplicated seniors to nutrition sites daily.
• Provided 390 units of medical and 669 units of Medicaid (Non-Emergency) transportation.
• 7 (seven) community organizations used vehicles through the Community Share Program.
• United Way support provided critical transportation service to physically challenged/disabled clientele, 343 persons were served.
• Seniors In-house Program:

Ø  50 different seniors participates daily (Monday-Friday) in the meal program, Bible Study, Ceramics, International speakers, trips and outings, games, etc.

• Frail Elderly Program

Ø  Provided case management to 170 unduplicated persons

Ø  Provided personal assistance transportation to 384unduplicated persons.

• DMHA Hope VI Seniors Program

Ø  Provided support services to the        seniors residing at Senior Village, Dayton View Commons Apartment Building located on Middle Street., from April 2006 – June 15, 2007.  At the end of the contract period, Wesley Community Center, Inc. continued to offer support services.

Youth Programs

            The service provides a safe and unencumbered setting where positive family values are enforced and the programs are designed to enrich the lives of youth through programs including after school, summer day camp, tutoring, mentoring, leadership development, scouting and sports.

• Served over 75 youth, at two sites, during the Summer Day Camp.  A five day

(Monday – Friday) 10 (ten) week program that served youth 6-12 years of age from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• The After School program served 70 different youth (6-12 years of age) at Wesley Community Center, Inc. and Western Manor Apartment Complex.

• The Academic Success Program served 30 youth (13-18 years of age, providing tutoring, mentoring and enrichment and leadership activities.

• During the summer 40 youth (13-18 years of age) participated in the Youth Leadership Development Institute (YLDI), culminating with 31 youth attending a week long leadership camp held at Camp Wesley located in Bellefontaine, Ohio.  The youth were engaged in skill building, teamwork and spiritual formation activities.

• During the June – August period, training and supervision was provided for 55 youth (12-18 years of age) who were participants in employment training programs. 

• Weekly ten (10) volunteers tutored fifth and sixth graders at Wogaman School, assisting youth in reading and math in preparation for the Ohio Achievement Test.

• 15 youth are registered and participate in Scouting (Cubs Pack 0030 and Troop #30).

• A juvenile probation officer provide support and supervision weekly to youth entangled in the juvenile justice system who reside in the Southwest Priority Board area at Wesley Community Center, Inc.

Community Development

• Provided homeownership education and certification with 17 families in conjunction with our partnership with the Community Development Corporation Resource Consortium (CDCRC).

• With the Southwest Priority and the Residence Park Neighborhoods Association, Wesley Community Center, Inc., facilitated and coordinated the 3^rd Annual Fun-Festival at Western Hills Park.

• Assisted with the Planning process for revitalization of the Ecumenical Neighborhood Development Corporation (ENDC).

• Endorsed and supported the Dayton Public Schools Operations Levy in May.

• Endorsed and supported Montgomery County Human Service Levy, which included the organizing of a ‘GET OUT TO VOTE” effort in conjunction with the Dayton Urban League, SCLC, NAACP, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) and the Baptist Ministers Union.

• Provide volunteer income tax service to 300 families who have an aggregate gross income (AGI) OF 5,421,055; earned income credit (EIC) $166,188 and refunds of $378,521.

• During 2007, the West Ohio United Methodist Conference donated a second modular unit to provide much needed classroom space for the After School Program.  Additionally a new HVAC unit provides better heating and air conditioning for the Multi-Purpose Room, Computer Lab and Transportation offices.

• The Center received many donations of school and office furniture to improve classrooms and office workspace.  New carpet was installed in the conference room, computer lab and classroom.

President’s End Of The Year Statement

February 26, 2008 

The year 2007 was full of challenges and accomplishments for the Wesley Community Center and the Board of Trustees. During the year we implemented an executive reorganization by hiring a Director of Development and Finance as well as a bookkeeper. These new elements added to the base management team that was already in place. The addition proved to be a winning combination for the Center. This team’s level of accountability and responsiveness to real challenges has moved the Center forward. Specific accomplishments have been highlighted in the other sections of this report. The Board is proud of the efforts of the Wesley Center staff for their service and sacrifices. We are fortunate to have staff members, who remain dedicated and committed to the Center’s ministry to the underserved. It has inspired the Board to be more active and accountable to the staff and the clients we all serve.  

The Board has taken a serious look at its mandate to lead and provide resources for the Center. In order to realize this mandate the Board held a one day retreat in November of 2007 that was facilitated by Mr. Tom Maultsby. A five point action plan was developed for the categories shown below:

1.  Program Development: Caring for the Whole Family 

2.  Developing and Publicizing Our Strengths and Our Image

3.  Fund Development

4.   Leadership and Sustainability Planning

5.   Feasibility studies for Growth and Expansion

To realize these strategic initiatives twelve recommendations have been proposed and are in various stages of implementation.  The Board raised approximately $30,000 this year and there has been an 85% giving rate among the Board members themselves. The Challenge for this year is to raise $50,000.  Board committees will make an all out effort to improve the name recognition of the Center in the neighborhood and in the city. We plan to redesign the Center’s website and institute a whole family approach to continuity of care for clients. An overhaul of the personnel policies and procedures will be done in 2008.  The Center has undergone tremendous physical growth and expansion with the installation of two modular units, the reconstruction of staff offices, and carpeting and a new furnace in the north wing. Most of these improvements were provided through volunteer efforts.

The Board should be viewed as a working team member with the staff, its partners, and contractors. We have made great progress since the time when the Center was church funded to current the current self supporting governance of the Center. We are an infant organization in this sense, but we are growing up fast. We need prayers, hands, eyes, feet and donations of all sizes and dimensions to carry forth God’s ministry. Though our goals are often obscured, we will remain dedicated and steadfast, as we are walking by faith… not by sight.

Stay in the Struggle,

James E. Dobbins, Ph.D. ABPP

President, Board of Trustees

Wesley Community Center, Inc.

 2007 OFFICERS            

President                   Dr. James E. Dobbins           

Vice President            Judge Bill Littlejohn           

Secretary                   Mrs. Jane Pearson

Treasurer                   Mr. Ivy Young

2007 BOARD OF TRUSTEES  

Ms. Debra Brathwaite – Deputy Superintendent, Dayton Public Schools

Dr. James E. Dobbins – Director of Postdoctoral Training, Wright State University, Duke Ellis Center

Rev. Lois Fortson – Retired United Methodist pastor, West Ohio Annual Conference

Mrs. Mozelle Brooks Garcia – Retired educator and Corinthian Baptist Church and community volunteer

Lt. Commander Ann C. Greiner, Ret. – Past President, Miami Valley District United Methodist Women

Mr. Richard Holmes, AIA NCARB – Principal, The Architectural Group, Inc.

Mr. Dwight L. Johnson, MBA, CPA – President, National Black MBA Association, Dayton Chapter

Rev. Michael Johnson – West Ohio Annual Conference, The United Methodist Church

The Honorable Bill Littlejohn – Judge, Dayton Municipal Court

Mr. Wayne McLean – Senior Consultant of Strategic Improvement, Good Samaritan Hospital

Ms. Idotha “Bootsie: Neal – President, Wright Dunbar, Inc.

Mr. James A. Neely – Industrial Specialist, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Mrs. Jane Pearson – Retired educator and Christ United Methodist Church volunteer

Mr. Jeff Swillinger, Esq. – Partner, Crew and Buchanan Law Offices

Rev. Dr. Donald Thompson – Senior Pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Church

Mr. David Welty – Community and Christ United Methodist Church volunteer

David White, Esq. – Magistrate, Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division

Mr. David Williams – Retired educator and Bethel Baptist Church volunteer

Mr. Herman Williams – Retired engineer and Dixon United Methodist Church volunteer

Mr. Ivy Young, CPA – Facilities Manager, Wright State University, Duke Ellis Center

Ex-Officio Members without Vote

Ms. Ellen Knudsen, Executive Secretary, Institutional Ministries, General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church

Mr. Vary Welch – Community Development Coordinator, Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services