Wilson Commencement Park (WCP) offers the means for low-income, single parent families to become and remain economically and socially self-sufficient by overcoming personal barriers to sustained employment, increasing their independent earning power, and breaking the generational cycle of poverty and welfare dependency. Many of the resident families are survivors of domestic violence, chemical dependency, poverty and/or homelessness.
WCP's staff inspires families to develop the life skills necessary to attain financial independence. Every day, WCP plants seeds for success by providing affordable, transitional housing, on-site early childhood education, case management services, life skills training, and comprehensive family support.
This program empowers people to discover and reach their lifelong goals. WCP is a place where hope is nurtured, self-esteem blossoms, lives become more meaningful, and poverty transforms to independence.
History
In 1982, the Board of Managers of the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation first conceived the idea of a supported housing program with the mission of offering holistic support for low-income, single-parent families to become and remain economically and socially self-sufficient. WCP was incorporated as an independent charitable organization in 1984.
In 1990, many individuals from the core development group, including representatives of the Wilson Foundation, jointly formed WCP's Board of Directors, providing continuity throughout the implementation stage of the program. The housing facilities and the Early Learning Center were completed and operations began in March 1991, combining a 50-unit housing complex with childcare, self-sufficiency counseling and other support services.
In 1996, WCP's Evening Life Skills program provided a small number of much needed classes for our adult residents, and received the support of numerous community partners. Even though the classes offered in the Evening Life Skills program were well received, and according to residents of great value, it is clear that they were not sufficient to meet our goals. The classes also did not include children, and were not open to the public. In January 2007, the renamed Communiversity: Life Skills Academy™ offers a wider array of classes and workshops and increased programming for a wider range of participants including residents from the community.
In December of 2007, Destiny opened its doors to serve low-income, single parent families with mental health issues.
Population Served
In order to be eligible for housing, a person must be a single parent of low income, over 18 years of age, drug free, with physical custody of his or her children. Both male and female single parents are accepted. Of 2007's incoming residents, a typical class:
- 20% had been on public assistance
- 50% had experienced domestic violence
- 49% were previously homeless
- 65% had mental health problems
- 9% had a history of substance abuse
- 5% had experienced both substance abuse and mental health problems.
Non-resident families from the community may participate in all of WCP's other programs and services.
New Community Partners [ Click here for a complete list of WCP Community Partners.]
WCP Staff
Wilson Commencement Park employs 42 full-time and 7 part-time staff members, and is supported by approximately 200 volunteers annually.
Funding
Initial funding for Wilson Commencement Park was provided by the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation. Ongoing funding is provided by a variety of sources: fees 41%, government 26.8%, Grants 16.4%, fundraising 12.5%, United Way 2.9%, investment income 0.4%. WCP is a United Way Donor Choice (Agency ID #1618).
Board of Directors [ Click here for a complete list of WCP Board of Directors.]
Advisory Council [ Click here for a complete list of WCP Advisory Council.]
Funding by Program [ Click here for the complete list of Funders by Program. ]
