Dawson
Current Phase
We have successfully completed the first three phases of development and are on track to complete Phase IV on schedule in January 2010.
Expenses
- Administrative Expenses
- Donor Relations
- Fitness Equipment
- Food
- Furniture and Appliances
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Repairs
- Security
- Staffing and Contract Labor
- Transportation for Clients
- Utilities
- and many more...
Supporters
- Adult and Juvenile Probation
- City of Wharton
- Combined Federal Campaign
- The Faith-Based Community
- Gulf Coast Medical Foundation
- Kansas City Southern Railroad
- The Trull Foundation
- Wharton ISD
- Wharton County
- Wharton County Junior College
- and... Hundreds of individuals
Implementation Plan
In 2004, Greg Baines, the Founder and Executive Director of Just Do It Now, determined that a new school was being planned to replace Dawson Elementary. He saw an opportunity to use the old campus as a center to provide education, training, counseling and support to an underprivileged and under-served neighborhood; while at the same time preserving a historical monument within the community.Taking this vision of empowerment and recovery to administrators and legislators at the local and state levels, to the faith-based community, and to the community at large, a tireless campaign was waged to acquire ownership of the campus when the new school was completed.
The message was simple: "We will take this surplus campus and build a legacy of community service!"
The Plan
Phase I – Gymnasium and four adjoining classrooms
Target Date: March 2009- After school program serving ages 8 through 18 to include: Homework/Tutor Time, Group Rap, Recreation, Parent Training and Healthy Snack Time
- Open Gymnasium for various activities
Phase II – Administrative wing of the 4th & 5th Grade Building
Target Date: April 2009- Relocate the Just Do It Now main office, counseling services and classes
- Provide classroom space for GED classes in cooperation with WCJC
- Develop campus usage guidelines and procedures
- Begin building changes required for development and maintenance
Phase III – Open Remainder of the 4th & 5th Grade Building
Target Date: August 2009- Move the After School Program to space in the 4th & 5th Grade Building
- Offer former classroom space to community-based groups for senior day-time activities, meetings, support groups and educational programs and offices
- Show buildings to those needing retail and office space
- Open the cafeteria to serve the campus and the community
Phase IV - Expand Use of 4th & 5th Grade Building & Library
Target Date: January 2010- Expand community service programs
- Offer accessible office space for various service programs
- Work with WCJC on vocational training programs
Phase V - Open 6th Grade Building for Use
Target Date: January 2011- Establish a fitness center
- Institute a wellness center to address both health problems and health maintenance
- Cooperate with the city to create a sports complex behind the 6th grade building
- Offer office space for city, county and state offices