Wilkinson Center’s mission is to transform the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect. We fulfill that mission by helping families face critical life challenges, including food insecurity, lack of education, economic instability, unemployment, and underemployment. We offer integrated services to help our clients overcome their barriers and advance economically to self-sufficiency. Our formula for success is case management, compassionate staff, dedicated volunteers, and effective individualized programming. All of our programs are provided free of charge.
Today Wilkinson Center is…
A leader in providing help and hope to Dallas County families for over 40 years. We are on the front line of fueling economic progress. Our goal is to help Dallas families improve their quality of life by providing opportunities for them to succeed. We use a proven, evidence-based model for alleviating poverty. It consists of income support to meet basic needs, adult education, workforce development and training, and financial literacy. Evaluation of our model has shown that clients who receive bundled and/or wraparound services are three to four times more likely to achieve a significant economic outcome, including increased income, decreased debt, advanced educational attainment, job certification in middle-skills careers, and English language proficiency.
COMPASSION – We maintain our clients’ dignity by treating them with respect. Our compassionate staff works as partners with our clients. Through education and support, we build pathways to self-sufficiency, breaking the cycle of poverty and allowing the families we serve to reclaim their lives.
COMMUNITY – Our clients’ needs are best met when we work as a community. We derive strength from our staff, volunteers, partners, and donors, who constantly search for ways to collaborate and consolidate efforts to achieve the highest impact.
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE – By serving the Dallas community for more than 40 years, we have earned a reputation for excellent programming and diligent stewardship of donations of time, talent, and capital. We coordinate with other agencies and nonprofits to provide the highest quality service.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – At Wilkinson Center, we feel it is important that we provide donors with the tools they need to make sound decisions about their charitable giving. Our audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 are always available for review.You can view those items here.
Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
You can help us continue our mission and transform lives…
- $50 pays for one week of transportation assistance for a job seeker
- $145 pays for GED testing for an adult learner
- $250 buys 12 cases of diapers
- $500 buys new back-to-school shoes for 15 children
- $1,000 feeds 50 families for a week
- $2,500 prepares 25 people to enter the workforce with computer training and job education
- $5,000 supports one month of programming for 80 adult learners
- $10,000 buys 5 truckloads of food and essential items for the Food Pantry
Food and Emergency Services
Offered through our brick-and-mortar Pantry and the Pantry2Go refrigerated truck. The Food Pantry serves all ages in all stages: kids, single moms, fathers trying to support their families, and seniors on a fixed income. This program provides food, Seniors’ Lunch and Learn Program, public benefits screening, social services referrals, rent and utility assistance, WFS Workshop, transportation passes, and access to annual drives for Thanksgiving turkey baskets, kids shoes, holiday toys, and more. Currently, individuals shop with staff or volunteers and select the food products they need.
Adult Education and Workforce Development
Education is fundamental to overcoming and breaking the cycle of generational poverty, and Wilkinson Center’s programs provide a path to self-reliance and financial independence. This service provides Adult Basic Education, High School Equivalency (GED ®), English as a Second Language (ESL), Career-Readiness, and Workforce Development and Training. Wilkinson Center was one of the first organizations in Dallas to provide a bilingual Patient Care Technician program in collaboration with Dallas College. Courses are taught by experienced, certified instructors dedicated to helping their clients succeed at multiple sites in Dallas County.
Financial Literacy/Case Management
Undergirding all Wilkinson Center programs and services is case management. Case Managers serve as coaches and primary providers of support services. They help clients and students successfully achieve their educational, employment, and financial goals by making a results-oriented approach. They assist students with goal setting, identification of barriers, and developing self-sufficiency action plans, all while providing critical social and emotional support.
How You Can Help
Wilkinson Center Needs You!
Whether sharing your time and financial resources, or helping connect Wilkinson Center with in-kind goods and services, there are many ways to make an investment in the lives of the families we serve.
Cash contributions are always welcomed and can be made electronically here, or by sending your tax-deductible gift to:
Wilkinson Center
8344 E R L THORNTON FWY
STE 235
Dallas, TX TX 75228-7136
Volunteers Change Lives
Individuals or small groups may sign up for ongoing volunteer assignments for many of our programs, including Food Pantry, Pantry2Go, Adult Education, Senior Program, and Income Support Drives and Distributions. For more information about volunteering click here.
For more information, call (214) 821-6380 or email info@wilkinsoncenter.org.