Wilkinson Center

Programs: Adult education over the past 12 months, our adult education program served 989 students. On average, the students who we are able to both pre and post-test, completed 127 hours of coursework during the course of their enrollment. Courses include adult basic education, high school equivalency (ged preparation), english as a second language (esl), career-readiness, job certifications, and financial education. Under the umbrella of our adult education program, we offer a variety of student support services to eliminate barriers to our low-income students success. Support services include:1. Case management 2. Financial coaching & employment coaching 3. Access to our food & emergency services4. Free, on-site ged testingprogram highlights for 2016:1. 62% of adult basic education and high school equivalency students advanced at least academic functioning level as measured by the tabe (tests of adult basic education)2. 94% of esl students advanced at least one english fluency level (as measured by the best plus)3. 116 individuals earned their ged

food assistance and emergency servicesthe wilkinson center food assistance program provides one weeks supply of food to hungry dallas individuals and families every month. We serve all ages. We have worked to develop a food pantry distribution system that allows a registered client to complete their food assistance visit in less than 18 minutes. Our client-choice shopping model allows clients to choose their food according to their needs and preferences, eliminating waste and increasing self-esteem. Our shelves and coolers are arranged like a grocery store and clients normally have several choices for their cart from each of the food categories outlined by the usda and based on family size. For most clients, this is the first point of contact with wilkinson center. The food pantry has several case managers who counsel clients and partner with them in building a customized plan of action to attain self-sufficiency. Case managers also conduct follow up appointments and track client progress. In addition to food assistance, wilkinson center has limited funds available for emergency needs such as rental and utility assistance. Our case managers are trained to make referrals to partner services for other issues and utilize all tools available so that families can begin to access our independence-enhancing adult education and childrens services programs. Program highlights for 2016:our food pantry provides one weeks worth of groceries once monthly to individuals and families who meet income and residency eligibility guidelines. We are known for our client choice shopping model which allows to clients to choose their own food. Shopping generally takes no longer than 20 minutes. Last year, we distributed over 630,000 pounds of food to families in crisis.