How did New Life Community Development Center come about?
Past:
Since 1978, Dr. Zoe Grant, New Life Community Development Center Founder & CEO, has provided enrichment, mentoring, career and performance arts services, and instruction for a diverse group of inner-inner city youth, pk-12th grade from the Greater Colorado area. Ms. Grant, a former foster parent for almost 15 years and minister, engaged over 150 youth in life skills sessions, mentoring, and a plethora of other services such as:
- Community Civic Engagement projects (attended city council meetings, assisted with voter registration and volunteer projects).
- Performance arts training, workshops, and national competitions
- Mentoring and guidance
- Tutoring and academic support
- Teaching and instruction
- Theatre and Dramatizations
In addition, Dr. Grant provided guidance and intervention for single-teen parents and parents of the youth that frequented the programs. Prenatal care, educational programming, career training/development, college/scholarship preparation, and some parental training classes were also offered to participants.
Present:
New Life Community Development Center equips individuals with essential skills for career success. Software and computers assist in skill development. It includes job career development, helping participants identify career paths, build résumés, and prepare for job opportunities. Additionally, it emphasizes work ethics, teaching professionalism, reliability, and leadership to make them valuable assets to employers. A career closet provides professional interview attire, ensuring confidence and a strong first impression.
The Education and Economic Empowerment Program partners with organizations and like-minded agencies to bring impactful workshops and training to communities across Central Texas. Through collaboration, we provide career development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and professional skills workshops to equip individuals for success. Our goal is to empower and uplift communities by ensuring access to essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities for economic growth.
Dr. Grant currently works with a group of inter-denominational faith-based volunteers to address community needs on a weekly basis on topics such as:
- Low Self-esteem in youth and adults
- Anger, Violence & Juvenile Delinquencies
- Single Parenting & Family Assistance
- Poverty
- Academic Failure & High School Drop-Out
- Risky Behaviors Prevention: Programs addressing substance abuse & teen pregnancy
- Health Seminars & Awareness
- Cultural Sensitivity Programs: Black History & Martin Luther King, Jr. Programs
- College Prep guidance and mentoring for High School students
- College retention and graduation support for College Students
Dr. Grant brings programs to Central Texas and the Temple, Texas, community to continue involvement in the community with all of the above-mentioned programs, as well as enhance the program to include services 5 days per week involving the following programs:
- College & Scholarship Preparation including competitions to pay for college costs (books, tuition, transportation, etc.)
- Business Etiquette & Professionalism
- Economic Development and business training
- Career Development (including interview skills and job prep)
- Computer Training/Technology Training
- Budgeting and Financial Management Classes and
- Social service assistance and referral for the entire family, and
- Strengthening the Family Series: includes programs for Seniors, grandparents, re-entry adults, GED/Adult Basic Education, etc.
Future:
New Life Community Development Center envisions a thriving Nonprofit Hub—the first of its kind in Temple—created through partnerships with local nonprofits to empower, connect, and uplift the community.
Located in the heart of Temple, the Nonprofit Hub is founded on the belief that when we put community first, everyone thrives. Through collaboration, education, advocacy, and support, we strengthen individuals and organizations, fostering a more united and resilient future.
With a commitment to service, inclusivity, and innovation, the Hub will provide resources to uplift families, businesses, and neighborhoods, ensuring no one is left behind. By bringing multiple nonprofits together in one central location, we create a unified network of support, transforming challenges into opportunities and shared spaces into launchpads for progress.
Together, we rise—because when we put Community First, we all thrive.