Timeline

Greg Baines documents growth of Just Do It Now from its inception.
Many events and activities have occurred over the years; however, some of the key events in our past have been highlighted below. For more indepth information, please see the What We're Doing section on this page.

1998

• July 17: Released from Texas Department of Corrections; however, I actually made the personal decision for change in 1994 while being transferred to TDC. I began the concept of Just Do It Now at that time with internal/spiritual changes which would be the prescription for the lasting changes which continue today.
  
• August 3: Began the "Beat the Streets" Campaign for hands on services in the areas where had I made life changing mistakes. These areas include the 3rd Ward, West Bellfort (Southwest Houston), Rosenberg/Richmond, Texas, Bay City, Texas and Westside of Wharton,Texas (Thus, the passion to encompass the four county areas on our map). These are places that I did the most damage with the negative impact on our community through my actions and to my personal life.
  

1999

• Began centralized focus in Wharton, pushing a lawn mower, passing out coffee and counseling throughout the West End community of Wharton.
• May 30: Married the "back bone" of JDIN, Vanessia
• Had first formal meeting of JDIN at 4701 Greenwood Dr. Rosenberg, Texas, our first home.
• Hired at Riceland Mental Health as full time Operations Manager, while working evenings building community relations through continued hands on services within the community.

2000

• Received official organizational charter from the State of Texas.
  

2001

• Received 501©3 exempt organizational determination from the IRS.
• Received counseling certifications from Therapon Institute and began active faith based counseling curriculum for clients.
• I realized the need to seek additional resources to build organizational capacity after receiving exempt status. Began to seek funding assistance through other sources such as churches, other community organizations and businesses.
• Began outpatient substance abuse treatment program for individual treatment and group sessions.

2002

• Moved into the first official JDIN office at 3027 Richmond Road, Wharton, Texas and began more focused community services. Again, taking services to the people.
• The SCRAP program was born during this time as it represented obvious physical needs within the community which initiated the opportunity for relationship building with the at risk community, our target population.

2003

• First substance abuse treatment graduate returns from Brazos Place treatment facility. This person is still with us as a volunteer who is giving back to the organization that led him to change his life.

2004

• January: purchased building at 235 West Milam and began partnerships with city, probation departments, city and county judges, parole, etc.
• Began partnership with WCJC to provide GED program at our offices.

2005

• Partnered with Wharton Emergency Management and Red Cross to house, feed and service over 200 Katrina evacuees. Services continue now for over 40 individuals, who have become residents in Wharton and Rosenberg/Richmond.
• Made the initial call to WISD school board president Don Erdelt about JDIN's interest in the Dawson property.

2006

• Received property from Sam & Valerie Golden and began remodel of home for the Golden Opportunity Housing Assistance Program.

2007

• Awarded the initial Golden Memorial Scholarships to Ariel Taylor (UT) and Kendrick Taylor (UH). Ariel is a Dean's List junior at UT and volunteers each summer at our offices. Kendrick is still enrolled at the University of Houston in his junior year.

2008

• November WISD School Board voted unanimously to deed the Dawson school property to JDIN for the Dawson Community Resource Center.

2009

• TEA approved property disposition and in March began Yes WE Can youth program from the new property.
• Partnered with Wharton Training Alumni Association of ex students.

2010