“Thank you for paving the way to improve the Lincoln Park area. The information you sent me was enjoyable and informative and I appreciate that you took the time to clear up a lot of questions. Thank you for leading the effort to improve the community. I have enjoyed being a part of the Fred Douglass family and I look forward to supporting this initiative.”

“There are many benefits on having a community empowerment center in Jacksonville. To innumerate, it will allow my children to grow and learn through the programs and services that will be offered. This will be a great environment to teach teens important life skills. In addition, the center will provide important business resources, especially for small local businesses."

“I commend the board for their strong leadership in getting the organization where it is today. Their approach and teamwork is demonstrating that this project can be done. I encourage the members of the community as well as Fred Douglass alumni to follow this great example and support this initiative.”

“I very much appreciate the service the board has given to this project. The successful completion of this project will be a win-win for the community and the City of Jacksonville, Texas”.

“A community center in this area will play an important role in addressing the comprehensive needs of individuals and families. The programs will provide a range of resources to help youth and adults to build critical skills and connect them to opportunities. Thank you for demonstrating that making the welfare of our community a priority is both good stewardship and good business”.

“What I like most about this project is that it has the potential to improve the community and increase opportunities. The project is guided by the belief that every life has equal value and the organization want to help people live healthy and productive lives. We want to ensure that all people have access to opportunities they need to succeed in school and life”.

The City of Jacksonville and the community at large is in dire need of an empowerment center. This center will provide services and programs for ALL people to have an opportunity for a more productive and rewarding quality of life. Apathy in any form produces negativity. Let’s work together for our community to provide a “HAND UP INSTEAD OF A HAND OUT”.

Inspiration can come from many places. Sometimes it happens when you least expect it. Recently one of our alumni members made a generous donation to both campaigns. But not only did he give to our fundraising efforts, he also took the time to send us encouraging remarks. He will never know how much inspiration we received from both endeavors. A mere thank you hardly seems enough to express our appreciation for his generous monetary donations and his kind words. Again, thank you for your contribution in helping us keep the Fred Douglass dream alive. A place to learn and grow. A place of celebration. That is the Fred Douglass spirit!