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Reflections on the first 25 years
The year was 1982. Spurred by the growing poverty and rapid decline of nearby East Dallas, several
leaders at Highland Park United Methodist Church -- Ruth Altshuler, Jim Francis, and Rev. Leighton Farrell
among them - met and forged a vision that would change our city.
A "cooperative parish" was formed with a simple idea: in the midst of the worst recession since the
1930’s, give the churches a jumpstart to become thriving outposts of service for their neighbors in need.
It worked. Most of the churches began teeming with new recruits, energy and purpose. And the
revitalization of East Dallas continues to blossom from their efforts.
Out of this same birthing process, Rev. Clayton Lewis at Munger Place UMC began feeding the poor out
of his office (with the help of a volunteer named Ruby Wilkinson). Word spread across the city of this heroic undertaking. Support flooded in,
volunteers organized and at one point nearly 35,000 people a year were being served.
When I arrived here, The Wilkinson Center had just turned 14. It looked very different. The building was in such disrepair a client described it
once as "scary." There were two other staff members and our budget was around $200,000.
Today we have 27 staff and a budget of $1.4 million. It is motivating to visit with our founders and feel their pride at how The Wilkinson
Center has grown to provide so many services that have changed people’s lives.
To honor those who have brought us this far, we will break out the silver and toast this 25th anniversary at a special dinner at the Adolphus
Hotel on May 19.
The Wilkinson Center has made tremendous strides
but our mission is far from finished. Too many people remain mired in poverty.
As we celebrate this important milestone, I ask you to recommit and hear anew our founders’ zeal and commitment to justice. Incredible
challenges and opportunities await. We need each of you for the journey ahead.
With gratitude and hope,
Brian Burton
Executive Director
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