History

In 1997, Rev. Dr. Ernest Etheredge (Senior Pastor) and Rev. Charles P. Austin, Sr. (Associate Pastor) of Wesley United Methodist Church, along with representatives of Midlands Technical College, met with residents of Roosevelt Village to discuss community needs and concerns.

There followed a simple strengths-based survey asking residents what was posiive about the community and what was needed. Strengths included the support of neighbors for each other, and the intelligence and potential of the children.

Needs identifed included an after-school program, GED and literacy classes, sheriff's sub-station, emergency services, and the need for jobs and better housing conditions.

Within a few weeks the Human Services Program of Midlands Technical Collge secured a $3,750 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service grant. The College was 1 of only 70 organizations nationally to receive the award in 1997.

Additionally, the use of a small block building was donated by a community member.

Community members, faculty, staff, students and volunteers from Wesley United Methodist Church renovated the facility with supplies donated by Home Depot.

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