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:
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
Future:
Dr. Grant is now bringing programs to the Temple, Texas, community. In the future, New Life CDC will 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 to include competitions to pay for college costs (books, tuition, transportation, etc.)
- Business Etiquette & Professionalism
- 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
- Performance arts training, workshops, and national competitions (to include band, dance/stomp, drill, choir, acting, pantomime, etc.) and
- Strengthening the Family Series: includes programs for Seniors, grandparents, re-entry adults, GED/Adult Basic Education, etc.
Caleeah Curley
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