The Wilkinson Center 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. 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 the working poor of Dallas County, mainly in East and Southeast Dallas, Pleasant Grove and Arcadia Park. Wilkinson Center offers hope, inspiration and the basic necessities and tools to empower its clients to become self-sufficient and improve their lives.
Wilkinson Center equips adults through GED, ESL, career development, computer and financial literacy classes. Many of these programs are offered at multiple sites.
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 clients 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 35 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 Out of Poverty
You can help us continue our mission and transform lives…
- $50 feeds a family for one week
- $145 pays for GED testing for an adult learner
- $250 buys 24 cases of diapers
- $500 buys new back-to-school shoes for 25 children
- $1,000 provides a month’s salary for a Pre-K teacher
- $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 10 truckloads of food and essential items for the Food Pantry
Food & Support Services
Since its inception, Wilkinson Center has distributed in excess of five million pounds of food, more than half to children. With comprehensive Case Management services, Wilkinson Center extends a full breadth of programs to its clients and helps them obtain additional social services such as food stamps, WIC, Medicaid, etc.
Adult Education
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. Clients participate in free courses such as career development, computer training, financial literacy, GED and English as a Second Language. Courses are taught by experienced, certified instructors dedicated to helping their clients succeed at multiple sites in Dallas County.
How You Can Help
Wilkinson Center Needs You!
Whether sharing your time, 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
P.O. Box 720248
Dallas, TX 75372
Volunteers Change Lives
Individuals or small groups may sign up for ongoing volunteer assignments for many of our programs, including Food Pantry, Adult Education, Senior Program, and Income Support Drives and Distributions. For more information about volunteering click here.
For more information, call (972) 284-0302 or email info@wilkinsoncenter.org.