Wesley-Rankin Community Center

Celebrating 124 years of service in Dallas, Wesley-Rankin Community Center is a place-based, multi-generational organization committed to walking alongside neighbors at every stage of life. We serve children, adults, and older adults through a comprehensive model that addresses the complex, interconnected issues impacting families, including educational attainment, financial literacy, workforce development, health, housing stability, and community connection.

The impact of Wesley-Rankin often spans generations. Many of today's parents and grandparents once participated in our children's programs themselves and now return with their own families. It is not uncommon to find two or even three generations of the same families engaged with Wesley-Rankin at the same time. By intentionally serving all ages, we strengthen entire family systems and create pathways for opportunity.

Using a model of collaboration and continuous improvement, Wesley-Rankin tailors services to meet the evolving needs of our neighbors while recognizing that lasting change requires investments in every generation.

• Out of School Time: The Afterschool program serves 105 students in K-12th grade, offering one-on-one homework support, daily snacks and dinner, free counseling services, and extracurricular clubs like guitar and computer coding. The B3X (Beakers, Base 10 and the Beat) summer camp enforces core learning during the summer break through hands-on activities to ensure students avoid the "summer slide" of learning loss. The program also prioritizes first-time experiences through engaging field trips to places like the Dallas Zoo and Perot Museum.
• Literacy Intervention for Learning Differences: Through our collaboration with the June Shelton School, the Scholars program provides critical intervention services for 65 students with diagnosed or suspected learning differences like dyslexia or ADHD. These services supplement or replace what schools are unable to provide due to limited resources. Because 3rd grade literacy rates are predictive indicators for things like income and incarceration, Wesley-Rankin's early intervention is critical in the life of a child.
• College and Career Readiness: 70 students are enrolled in WR Aspiring Professionals (WRAP), making important strides to prepare for life after high school. Focusing on the elements of soft skills with mentors, paid summer internships, parent education, tech/professional development, and financial literacy and support, students gain the experience and skills to earn a living wage in any career. Beginning in the second year of the program, students are paid for their time spent learning to supplement family income and give students practical opportunities to apply financial literacy skills.
• Ongoing Adult Education: The Adult Academy provides workshops and 9-week courses such as parenting, nutrition and health, and ESL. Classes are offered in the mornings and evenings to accommodate different schedules, and free child care is always provided to remove barriers to education.
• Homestead Preservation: Over the past decade, property taxes have increased by over 1,200% for homeowners in West Dallas. WRCC has responded by providing a variety of free resources to homeowners to ensure they can maintain their properties. These services include support in filing homestead exemptions, filing property tax appeals, and law services from Haynes Boone to clear title issues and establish wills, and property tax assistance in partnership with Builders of Hope to ensure that legacy West Dallas residents can pay off their back taxes. Last year, 93 West Dallas families received $84,422.77 in support of their 2024 property tax bills, preserving over $24 million in generational wealth.
• Holistic Health Support for Older Adults: Known as "Casa Feliz," the older adult program fosters social networks, enhances strength and balance, promotes cognitive health, promotes healthy nutrition, and manages chronic diseases. Breakfast and lunch are served daily, taking into account individual dietary needs. Daily exercise classes, along with a vibrant schedule of activities in dance, art, and music, contribute to active lifestyles. The program visits homebound older adults to reduce isolation and provide necessary resources to those who are no longer able to attend the Center.

Wesley-Rankin's work recognizes that no single program can address the challenges facing families. Lasting change requires a multi-generational approach that invests in children, supports parents, and welcomes older adults. Every program contributes to building stronger families and communities. 

Although the world may deprive communities of quality education, health resources, and economic opportunity, Wesley-Rankin remains committed to creating pathways for each member of a family. With your support, we can ensure that families, today and for generations to come, have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.