About The Center

The Ada Jenkins Center founders, staff, and board of directors strongly believe that unforeseen circumstances can place people of all walks of life at risk. Whether a family has to face illness, job loss, or other life situations, we know that all people have the ability to improve their lives, and we are here to help them do so. Working together to provide our neighbors with the tools for a better life is what The Ada Jenkins Center is all about.

Our History and Our Future

Ada Jenkins HistoricalIn the early 1920s, fire destroyed a small wooden schoolhouse in the Mock Circle area of Davidson, North Carolina. Despite the difficult economic times, the school's principal, Miss Ada Jenkins, with the help of other community members, raised the funds to build the brick schoolhouse that is now the main building of The Ada Jenkins Center. The school, then named the "Davidson Colored School," opened in 1937.

In 1966, when the schools in Davidson were integrated, the school was closed and the students transferred to Davidson Elementary School and the Torrence Lytle High School in Huntersville.

Under a Title 1 program, the school reopened as the Davidson Child Development Center in 1967.

In the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, the building served as a community center, with various educational and human services, including a food co-op, a dance studio, and an after school program.

In 1995, members of the community gathered together and volunteered to renovate the building and establish The Ada Jenkins Center in its current form. The grand opening was held on November 8, 1998, with Ada Jenkins' daughter and granddaughter in attendance.

Since then, the Center has grown rapidly to become a well-respected model for community centers in the region, broadening its services to the entire Lake Norman region. Recently, the Duke University School of Divinity has recognized The Ada Jenkins Center as a "Model Organization for Building Communities of Caring."

Who We Are Today

Today, The Ada Jenkins Center houses 17 programs and has 19 members on its Board of Directors. This dynamic and enthusiastic group volunteers its time and efforts, always keeping the mission and focus of The Ada Jenkins Center at the forefront. They are:

2006-2007 AJC Board Members

  • Kurt Oosterhouse, Chairman
  • John Adams
  • Arlene Arciero
  • Lorna Bishop
  • Juany Colon
  • Jerry Cox
  • Keith Cradle
  • Jim Daly
  • Valerie Daye
  • Jim Duffey
  • Becky Dunlap
  • Cindi Ferguson
  • Jim Fuller
  • Timi Griffin
  • Tom Grogan
  • Matt Mechling
  • Cliff Paulsen
  • Melissa Robson
  • Richard Terry

Leadership

Georgia Krueger, Interim Executive Director

Richard Terry, Chairman of the Board

Chairman of the Board Richard Terry was born and raised in Atlanta. He came to Davidson in the fall of 1977 to attend college. A history major, Terry was also a member of Kappa Alpha, played varsity soccer and was Vice President of the Student Government Association.

After graduation and upon receiving his NC Teacher Certification, Richard went to work at Charlotte Country Day School as a social studies teacher. During his six years at Charlotte Country Day, Richard was very involved with the Mecklenburg Special Olympics, which were held on the school campus, and spent the last three of his six years as Director of College Guidance.

In 1987 he left Charlotte Country Day to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for a Master of Arts in Teaching. Immediately after completing his Masters degree, he returned to Davidson College to serve as Director of Residence Life.

Richard Terry remains employed at Davidson College today and serves as Director of Auxiliaries. Together with his wife Ann Todd, also a Davidson College alum, they have two children - Rixey, age 5, and Louisa, age 1. The family is actively involved with St. Alban's Episcopal Church where Richard is the Worship Committee Chair and Usher Captain. He has served on the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce for six years, becoming Chairman of the Board in 2000, and also coaches youth soccer for the North Meck. Youth Soccer Association.