Each year TREC’s Associate Leadership Council (ALC) class invests in the community with a service project. We considered several potential projects with worthy organizations and after extensive research, we are pleased to announce our partnership with Citizens Development Center.

“The Citizens Development Center project was selected because we saw an opportunity to work alongside a special organization that was focusing on a segment of our community that is often overlooked and under appreciated.  Our class project will make a substantial impact for The Center by equipping them to better serve their clients.” – Britton Church

The Center, a nonprofit tasked with the employment, training and job placement for adults with intellectual, mental health and/or physical disabilities, serves approximately 500 individuals annually. The organization provides much needed services to adults with disabilities and their caregivers in the Dallas area. Through the Work Center and Employment Placement Program clients gain an invaluable skill set and access to seamless gainful employment.

The Project’s Scope
The Center’s current headquarters is located off Ambassador Row in a 30,000-square-foot building with an open garden space. While the current space sufficiently accommodates the organization’s staff, training facilities, production floor and cafeteria, we plan to assist with the garden and outdoor gathering spaces. Our goal is to create a thoughtful and therapeutic amenity for its clients and employees.

We plan to raise our preliminary renovation budget of $160,000, funded by cash and in-kind donations, to transform outdoor areas with the following budgeted improvements:

• The garden areas will be improved with a new privacy fence, ADA compliant walkways, adding and redefining existing planting beds, enhancing the current gazebo with proper access, new seating/furniture and improved lighting, and a new community therapy garden that will empower the clients through experiencing the pride of successful gardening and working with others in the community.
• The outdoor dining areas will be updated with upgraded seating, outdoor lighting and fans, a new grill, along with adding an awning/sunshade.
• The building facade and entry will be revitalized with new paint and improved landscaping surrounding the exterior of The Center and near the entrance, making the drive up experience more inviting.

“The class has been hard at work since groundbreaking. We built an impressive looking 165-foot-long, 8-foot-high wood fence, refurbished and painted the picnic benches, and cleared fish tanks, bushes, trees, and landscaping. The site will be leveled and prepped in early March for the installation of sidewalks and walking paths – created with 60 tons of decomposed granite the class will spread. With a whole lot of sanding, scrubbing, and power washing, the gazebo and benches are ready to be stained and the façade is ready for paint. This progress has meant many hours of work at The Center, but the ALC class has really pulled together to drive the project forward.” – Bryan S. Myers

A Personal Connection
In addition to the project, interaction with the clients and staff has led to a significant connection with the long term goals of The Center. ALC class members joined The Center for their annual Valentine’s Day Party and celebrated alongside the clients over refreshments, music, dancing and karaoke.

“The looks on the clients’ faces were priceless and warmed our hearts in an instant.  This was their time to celebrate among coworkers and friends and they put it all out there!” – Arthur Santa-Maria

“It blew my mind…I expected a nice tea party setting, but this was a rockin’ celebration with loud speakers, karaoke, food and all everyone wanted to do was dance and let loose. The clients were so excited to see us be a part of one of their favorite days of the year! I can’t wait to participate in this special event for years to come with an awesome group of people.” – Lauren Goodman

We are looking forward to both getting to know The Center and seeing the project’s results of enhanced ability to continue providing top notch employment opportunities, training, rehabilitation, and, most importantly, a sense of community for the clients.