CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – With active programs focusing on aiding the education of the next generation, the ALICE Center signaled its move to a brick and mortar foundation with a well-attended groundbreaking ceremony along 9th Ave. SW in downtown Childersburg on Monday, Oct. 13.
The ALICE Center concept has been one of bringing together so many aspects of the community to shape and support a bright future for the families and children that make up the local area. That cooperative effort was front and center during the groundbreaking event, highlighting why Gerald Wallace had a dream inspired by his mother Alice, to create an entity that meets community needs.
“With property secured, we focused first on getting programs started toward our mission,” explained Wallace, “and now, we will work on creating a place where opportunity lives; a place for children to learn, grow, and thrive. I can promise you that we will see potential in every child, and we will invest in that potential.”
The next phase of building will be to add to the base line of work already in progress, creating a new, modern home for the Talladega, Clay, Randolph (TCR) Child Care Corporation in Childersburg, housing the Head Start program – The ALICE Head Start Learning Center.
TCR, a non-profit corporation, is committed to elevating the lives of eligible children and families. With locations throughout Alabama, TCR has been providing services and programs centered on education and health for more than 45 years.
Kay Jennings, TCR Executive Director, said, “At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to nurturing the potential in every child and supporting Alabama families in their journey towards a brighter future, providing programs with a purpose. Thanks to a long time part of TCR, Jackie Hall, introducing us to Gerald Wallace, we were able to do exactly what she suggested we would – share a common goal and difference-making purpose for new generations of children.”
Jodi Hopkins, Wallace’s personal assistant for more than two decades, explained, “Watching this project transition from an idea to action is a testament to what is possible by coming together.”
Hopkins highlighted the groundwork already laid by ALICE Center programs – engaging programs, making an impact before buildings, like a tutoring program for Childersburg students. It’s a program conducted by local educators who grew up as products of the schools they now serve through the ALICE Center – Jasmine Shepherd and Ashley Norwood.
“I look at it as creating opportunities where they did not already exist,” said Norwood.
Shepherd echoed her thoughts, saying, “I am a native of Childersburg, shaped by Childersburg, sharing my blessings to this new generation of students.”
In the above picture is a large placard with names of partnering business, industry, and other community entities that are already on board with the goals and missions of the ALICE Center.
Together with ALICE Project Director Ty Knight and a strong ALICE Center team, this is not a project just from Gerald Wallace. It’s a project for, from, and by the community itself, whose purpose will be to help the community grow and prosper.
One final announcement came as a surprise to the crowd. The ALICE Center has acquired the former Phyliss Wheatley High School and Community Center, allowing for programs to be located on both sides of Hwy 280.
