Wilkinson Center

08/27/2026

At Wilkinson Center, we serve Dallas families facing challenges ranging from food insecurity and job instability to limited access to education and essential resources.

For Cyntoria, Wilkinson Center helped her achieve her dream of working in healthcare. After graduating from our Phlebotomy Certification program, Cyntoria utilized Wilkinson Center's Employment Coaches to search for jobs. She has truly found her place at DaVita Kidney Care as a Patient Care Technician, sharing, “being in my clinic feels like a home away from home, and the patients are a joy. It feels amazing doing something I have always wanted to do since I was a kid—helping people and making a difference in the medical field.”

During the North Texas Giving Day season, up to $10,000 will be doubled thanks to our matching fund from our partners at Atmos Energy. Your support helps us create success stories like Cyntoria's, providing the hope, stability, and opportunities to build brighter futures.

Make your early gift now at: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Wilkinson-Center

08/26/2026

Jessica Reyes has been working toward her goal of becoming a Teacher Assistant for over a year. With limited work experience, it was challenging at first, but she stayed determined and committed to improving her skills.

After enrolling in the Teacher Assistant Preparation Course, Jessica gained the confidence and experience she needed to move forward. She also received support in getting her high school diploma from Mexico validated, which helped open the door to new opportunities.

Today, Jessica is working as a substitute teacher with MISD and is continuing to pursue her goal of becoming a full-time TA with GISD. Her journey shows how persistence and dedication can truly pay off!

08/19/2026

64% of students work while attending school and in the age of AI, job searching is a whole new beast. That's why Wilkinson Center teamed up with our partners at Total Wireless and Empower Work to host a Job Readiness Workshop specifically for working students.

59 participants showed up eager to learn how to leverage AI in their job search thanks to a presentation by Ascend Dallas, as well as practice mock interviews and polish their resumes with professional coaches.

Thank you to everyone who took part in this engaging and informative session!

08/12/2026

At Wilkinson Center, we believe education can be a powerful step toward creating a new future. Through our partnership with Men of Nehemiah and the support of Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas and the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, men like Jesse, Nathan, and Erick are given access to educational services that help them move beyond challenges in their past and work toward long-term success. With the guidance of instructor Dr. Nicole Burkett, Jesse, Nathan, and Erick stayed committed to their goals and successfully earned their High School Equivalency (HSE) credentials.

For these graduates, earning their HSE was about more than education, it was about proving to themselves that their past does not have to define their future. Jesse and Nathan are now pursuing their goal of becoming licensed drug and alcohol counselors and hope to use their own experiences to help others.

Congratulations, Jesse, Nathan, and Erick! We are proud to celebrate all that comes next.

08/05/2026

40 years ago, staunch Wilkinson Center supporter, Carlin Morris, noticed kids in our community needed help with back to school shoes. Every year since, The Carlin Morris Shoe Drive has been one of our most popular events. This year, 347 kids came with their families to pick out brand new shoes and socks from our local Shoe Carnival thanks to funding from our generous supporters! To date Wilkinson Center has helped over 40,000 North Texas Children!

We couldn't have done it without the help of our amazing volunteers and partners who did everything from measure feet to personally guide families around the store to shop for their favorite pairs of shoes. Special thanks to Hope Supply Co. and Uplift Education who graciously advertised their diaper supply and schooling services to our families seeking additional help.

08/04/2026

Are you a working student looking to kickstart your career? Want to have an upper hand on job searching in an AI dominated world? Wilkinson Center is teaming up Total Wireless and Empower Work to host a Job Readiness Workshop. Learn how to job search using AI, practice your interviewing skills with mock interviews, and get one on one resume assistance to make sure your experience and achievements shine bright. This is a can't miss workshop for job searchers of all skill levels!

Sign up today at: https://bit.ly/3TChl6G

07/28/2026

Wilkinson Center is proud to recognize Dayanara Lopez-Jaimes as this years Melanie Myers Scholarship recipient! A devote humanitarian and staunch supporter of Wilkinson Center, we know Melanie would have been cheering louder than anyone for Dayanara.

After growing up in a low-income community where higher education and a professional career often felt out of reach, Dayanara was determined to build a better future for herself and her child. Through Wilkinson Center's no-cost Workforce Development program, she earned her Phlebotomy Certification and is now a certified phlebotomist!

Today, Dayanara is continuing to turn her dreams into reality. The Melanie Myers Scholarship will help her enroll in the Patient Care Technician program at Dallas College so she can take the next step towards her goal of becoming a registered nurse. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and beautifully reflects Melanie Myers' legacy of empowering others to achieve their full potential. Congratulations to Dayanara, we loved celebrating with you and know you have what it takes to achieve your goals!

07/23/2026

There is not much more heartwarming than kids showing up to help other kids. We were delighted to host some grade-school philanthropists from the Vacation Bible School Class at Kessler Park United Methodist Church. Rounding off a full week of service projects with a trip to Wilkinson Center, these youngins hand-decorated 50 pairs of socks with markers, bows, and ribbons for our Carlin Morris Shoe Drive. The drive will help over 400 kids receive brand new shoes to start the school year on the right foot.

We are so grateful to the kiddos at Kessler Park United Methodist Church and can't wait to see what our families think of their adorable socks!

07/22/2026

Wilkinson Center's Adult Education Graduation Ceremony was truly a magical night! A whopping 201 graduates earned their GED's or a certification in Teachers Aid, Transportation and Distribution, Pharmacy Technician, or Phlebotomy. This was a record number of graduates for us and we truly couldn't have done it without the help of our staff, teachers, and partners like Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas.

Thank you to all who attended and congratulations to all of our graduates! We enjoyed sharing your tears, smiles, and joy with you and can't wait to see what you do next!

07/21/2026

Thank you Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas for helping us assist students like Noella with furthering their education!

When Noella Rowe first came to Wilkinson Center, she wasn't sure earning her GED was possible because of language barriers. She chose to believe in herself and enrolled in our Adult Education & Literacy program. Today, she's just a few tests away from earning her GED and creating new opportunities for her future. Way to go, Noella!

From uncertainty to total determination! 🌟

When Noella Rowe first arrived at the Wilkinson Center, language barriers made her doubt whether a GED was even possible. She initially considered taking a short certification instead—until she realized how far a high school equivalency could take her career.

Noella chose to bet on herself. She took on the challenge, joined our AEL program, and never looked back. Today, she is on the Fast Track and just a few tests away from earning her GED! 🎓✨

Her story is a powerful reminder that with resilience and the right support system, it is never too late to open new doors. We are proud to empower adult learners as they build brighter, more secure futures.🙌

Congratulations, Noella—we are cheering you on all the way to the finish line! 👏