Making a Difference

Did You Know?

Community members generously gave 15,168 hours of volunteer time in fiscal year 2004/05. Thank you all very much for your wonderful service!

As a result of program enhancements and improved service efficiency, the Center increased its services to the area's neighbors in need by a record 65%. More than half of our clients were served by more than one program-a testament to the impact of collaboration. Each program exceeded its service goals through the dedication and creativity of the Center staff, the commitment of many volunteers, and the generosity of our supporters. The Center again achieved an excess of revenue over expenses.

In collaboration with Davidson College, the Children's Defense Fund, the Boys & Girls Club, and Davidson Parks & Recreation, The Ada Jenkins Center is pleased to announce its selection as one of the area Freedom School sites. Freedom Schools are designed to bridge the education gap for students growing up in economically disadvantaged homes, and we anticipate serving 60 students in our first year.

Program participants come from these Lake Norman communities:

While we used to see only low-income families struggle with poverty related issues, we are now seeing increasing numbers of middle-income families facing these same challenges. An unstable employment market, rising fuel and utility costs, and the price of housing in our area force many neighbors to live paycheck-to-paycheck.

Our numbers reflect that trend:

Our social worker in the Life Compass Program provided 2928 units of service with an astonishing 100% client satisfaction rating.
1,495 new clients came to apply for services at The Ada Jenkins Center; this figure exceeded our projections by 61%.
We provided 13,004 units of service to neighbors, more than double the number we anticipated at the beginning of the fiscal year.
Latino Support Services served 1123 clients - over 200 more than initially projected.
The Computer Center provided over 1,000 hours of instruction/teaching time. Through the generosity of the community around us, we had 46 computers donated to the Center.
Of the 50 students in the After School Program 82% improved their grade in one or more subjects with 80% of the students completing and returning homework on time in accordance with school standards.
245 hours of language class hours.
Our Free Clinic and Community Dental Clinic saw a total of 1,704 patients.
Our Parish Nurse provided care to 1,296 patients.
Almost 6,000 people didn't go hungry through the Loaves & Fishes food pantry.

The numbers are impressive, but behind each number is a real human life. The stories we hear often break our hearts, but it's the hope for a brighter future that compels us. It's through the generosity and caring of our surrounding community that we are able to make a difference in the lives of those who walk through the doors of The Ada Jenkins Center.

Our Services

Our services are organized into the following three categories:

Education Services
Family Services
Health Services

The Ada Jenkins Center also serves as a meeting space for community groups such as the Lake Norman Art League, the North Mecklenburg Photographic Society, the Davidson African-American Coalition, the Eastern Stars, the Girl Scouts, and many workshops on a wide variety of topics.

Why do we have so many services under one roof?

It's practical. We're a one-stop shop. Collaboration with partner services ensures the best quality of service.
It's comprehensive. Participants can work on several issues at the same time.
It's economical. Resources are shared to maximize the donor's impact on the community.

Funding Sources

Private Donations	$57,990	10%
Churches	$125,361	21%
Civic Organizations	$45,566	8%
United Way	$159,084	26%
Events	$15,171	3%
Grants	$134,050	22%
Corporations	$25,519	4%
Town Governments	$20,125	3%
Fees and Other	$19,365	3%
TOTAL	$602,231	100%

Program Expenses

After School Program	$154,174	27%
Parish Nurse Program	$46,811	8%
Family Services	$146,492	26%
Computer Training	$84,156	15%
Free Medical Clinic	$37,341	7%
Free Dental Clinic	$6,286	1%
Management	$40,160	7%
Fundraising	$58,299	10%
TOTAL	$573,719	100%