EAWC - WhoWeAre

Our Mission

The Euell A. Wilson Center is a Christian organization designed to enrich the hearts and lives of children and strengthen the family. We do this through educational, social and spiritual development. This Christian-based center is dedicated to embrace and empower youth and families by taking a personal interest in each individual.

The EAWC provides opportunities for youth and families to come together, bond, have fun, and learn the skills necessary to have a healthy and positive family life. The influence of our after-school programs have a direct link to improved behavior at school, increased interest in learning, better social skills, and higher aspirations for the future.

Our History

Euell A. Wilson was born December 8, 1972, and died November 13, 1992, at the age of nineteen. He was not only one of the top athletes in the city of Fort Wayne but also an outstanding student. He touched so many lives through his humble and caring nature toward life.

In his memory, Shirley Woods, his mother founded the Euell A. Wilson Center (EAWC). In February 1993 the center was established as a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization to inspire youth to look at the brighter side of life to overcome obstacles. Shirley Woods, Founder and Executive Director of EAWC, has provided vision and inspired others to become partners and advocates for inner city youth.

In 2004, Mrs. Woods was given the Citizen of the Year Award by the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette Newspaper for her leadership and passion for at-risk youth. Mrs. Wood's enthusiasm and love for youth has led the EAWC to become an organization with integrity.

Serving the Community

The Euell A. Wilson Center is located in the heart of an inner-city neighborhood. What was once a run-down neighborhood eyesore has been renovated into a beautiful 10,000 square foot facility in the Oxford/Anthony neighborhood.

At the Center, youth are introduced to activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. An average of 175 youth participate in programs that include dance and music, computer classes, and recreation. The Center beckons area youth to these various programs and activities, which are offered Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Fridays from
3 p.m. to 6 p.m..

Programs are designed to give youth the skills required to reach their full potential as contributing, caring members of our community. Activities at the Center emphasize spiritual growth, education, personal development, career awareness, and physical fitness – career and life qualities so badly needed for our next generation of civic leaders.

Geographically, the Euell A. Wilson Center is strategically located to accommodate the most needy population in the community. In the Oxford/Anthony neighborhood, 95 percent of the population is minority and 98 percent of the youth attending the Center are from single-parent households. The median income for women in this area is $18,336 and 30 percent of these households are living in poverty.

Based on such factors as economic status, involvement in the court system, and level of educational achievement, the majority of these youth have been identified as “at risk” by the local school corporation and/or the Allen Superior Court Family Relation Division.

In fact, according to the Allen County United Way Community Assessment, population statistics (1995) indicate that 60 percent of the area’s welfare recipients live in 17 census tracts located in the southeast areas of Fort Wayne. The facts bear out that in 1998, 61.3 percent of the individuals receiving TANF benefits were Black, 33.1 percent White and 4.3 percent Hispanic. As of April 1998, 44.7 percent of the heads of household receiving Tanf had less than a 12^th grade education, and 6 percent had less than 8 years of education.

The goal of the Euell A. Wilson Center is to dramatically change these statistics by offering quality after-school programs that increase youth engagement in learning by providing them with opportunities for personal and academic growth through the help of adults, peer groups with positive aspirations, and hands-on activities that hold their interest, develop their skills, and provide a sense of competence.

Since the Euell A. Wilson Center was first founded in 1993, everyone has benefited. The Center’s after-school program has been referred to as “the new neighborhood”. Positive effects from the program extend to families, employers and the community. The programs offered at the Center provide access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities – opportunities our inner city youth would not otherwise have access to, or benefit from.

Our Staff & Volunteers

Shirley Woods	Founder/President
Annette Dufor	Grant Writer Program Developer
Betty Jackson	Food Services Coordinator
Tawana Isabel	Academic Excellence Director Food Service Director
Ivy Teders	Academic Excellence Coordinator
Kimberly Williams	Recreation Program Director
Detra Underwood	Recreation Program Coordinator
Christopher Woods	Healthy Spirits Program Director Onyx Program Director for boys
Project READS	Lisa Fabian
Volunteers	Bishop Dwenger High School Tutors County Line C.O.G. Youth Ministry Ivy Tech Community College Bishop Luers High School Saint Francis Tutors

Our Board Members

Chairman	George Hicks Lincoln Financial Group
Vice Chair	Brian Reincke National City Bank
Secretary	Christopher Popp Aunt Millie's
Treasurer	Don Keller Lincoln Financial Group
Board Member	Ocleva Williams Fort Wayne Community Schools
Board Member	William "Tuck" Hopkins Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Board Member	Dave Kolpien Raymond James
Board Member	Nick Talarico Do it Best Corp Ellen Cavacini Leadership Fort Wayne

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentage of funds in 2006 were allocated towards programs and operational costs?

In 2006 an external audit was performed by Dulin and Ward. The audit revealed:
u Over 75% of funding generated goes directly towards programs
u Less than 25% of funds are used for general operating cost

2. Why should I invest in the lives of at risk disadvantage youth?

Lack of education, career awareness, and skills can lead to poverty. Allen County has a relatively higher child poverty rates compared with the State of Indiana. In the past 15 years, the poverty rate in Allen County has experienced a significant increase. Children who live in poverty lack resources and services needed to establish a fundamental life of stability and well-being. Consequently, poor children have fewer enrichment learning experiences, have unstable residences, attend schools with lower expectations, are exposed to crime/violence, unsafe environments, and have less access to programs/services. As adults many poor children join the ranks of the working poor. Consequently, investing in the lives of youth today directly correlates with the success of our community tomorrow.

3. Does EAWC discriminate against youth and families with other religious beliefs?

The EAWC does not exclude any individuals who are not Christian or force our beliefs on anyone. We believe Christian principles are the foundation to instilling morals and values. However, We believe ...

All youth should have the right to develop their mind and body regardless of socioeconomic status.
All youth should have access to an environment that inspires them to be their best.
Developing the whole person through education, social and personal development are essential factors of positive youth development.
Character-building promotes independence of thought necessary for leadership and personal well-being.
In a neighborhood and community-based approach that values and supports youth and families with the greatest potential to fulfilling our mission of strengthening youth and families.

Address:

Euell A. Wilson Center, Inc.

1512 Oxford Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Phone: (260) 456-2917
Fax: (260) 456-1401
Email: weawc@aol.com
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