We Are Washington

MAKAYLA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY photo by

by LINDSEY M cMILLAN

Alarge, colorful mural along a wall in the courtyard is a bold proclamation of what the place stands for. It reads, “We Are Washington” and within the walls of this historic Arkansas school, the community is being aided in many ways. As stated in their pamphlet, the Washington Community Development Center has a “mission to help those in the community improve their lives by creating awareness for both children and adults and funding/supporting the needs of families residing in the community by utilizing the center as a hub for classes, programs, and community events.”

In early 2022, Booker T. Washington High School, formerly known as Washington Charter School, was purchased from the Texarkana Arkansas School District. Built in 1926, the school served as an area high school until 1969 when integration of local schools began. In conjunction with the Washington Alumni Association and local volunteers, a new community center was born. It is the brainchild of Mr. Donnie Reid, Executive Director of We Are Washington and I Am a Hero, Inc., a non-profit organization he started in 2017. Donnie had been wanting to open a multi-purpose community center, and when the school property became available, he jumped at the opportunity. The center hosted an open house last March, and organizers have been busy promoting and creating various programs for all ages. They work in collaboration with a variety of non-profit organizations which provide resources, classes, meals, and many other events. This valuable outreach program provides services free of charge and aims to create awareness for all ages while supporting the community.

The recreation wing is in the area of the school which encompasses the gymnasium. The gym floor has recently been resurfaced using the original wood. Newly remodeled classrooms now house various recreation equipment such as pool tables, arcade machines, xbox gaming, as well as a theatre room complete with bean bag seating. There are also quiet study areas and rooms for tutoring. New paint, inviting decor, and state of the art equipment create entertaining areas for children and teenagers. More unique rooms are being added and renovated, such as the podcast and music recording rooms. Volunteers are in place to assist the kids who come, and all ages are welcome, with recreational areas catering to different age groups. The recreation wing is open after school Monday through Friday from 3:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This past summer, We Are Washington hosted a thriving daily program where approximately 130 children attended. An active sports program is in place thanks to one community partner, Texarkana League of Champions. Football, basketball, and other sport teams are busy year round. Mr. Donnie Reid is proud to showcase the center, wanting to give back to the community. A native of Hooks, Texas, Donnie is a self-proclaimed “second chance kind of guy,” who always enjoyed working with children by coaching and teaching, and noticed a great need in the area for kids to have something to do and get direction and support outside of their home. Says Donnie, “I want to help give more opportunities and direction to those born into tough circumstances.”

We Are Washington employs six full-time employees and varying part-time staff, including teenagers in the recreational programs. Two people taking the lead at the center are Mondo Barry, Center Site Director and Chasity Russell, Director of Finance and Programming. They stay busy with programming, fundraising, and working closely with the community partners. Adjacent to the recreation wing is the cafeteria. Monday through Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m., meals are served here, thanks to United Families of America-AR. This organization provides nutritious meals on site, as well as monthly meal boxes to disperse to those in need. The center also has a spacious outside courtyard with areas for large blow ups, recreation, and quiet spaces.

On the opposite side of the center is the Life Skills Wing with more classrooms, a library, and space for various programs including those hosted by the Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties, J.C. Center of Empowerment, Hope for Texarkana, and Pink Behind the Thin Blue Line. These non-profit entities provide classes, support, and meetings for all ages. The ability to have these programs under the same roof is beneficial in many ways. As Chasity says, “To be able to get the word out about the center and to have all available resources that the community needs in one place. That is what is so wonderful about having so many different nonprofits and community partners. It’s easier to get all the various services if they have a common connection, and Washington is that connection.”

Most of the programs held at the center are faith-based and in partnership with other outreach programs which aim to strengthen the community as a whole. For example, certain classes are aimed at teenagers to instill money management and leadership skills. Others are focused on crafts like quilting, teaching others to sew or knit, and various cooking classes have been offered featuring different ethnic cuisine. Additional non-profit agencies represented include The Scholars, Package of Love, and Acclimation Change Transformation & Sustainability (ACTS). The classrooms and other spaces throughout the center are uniquely decorated to encourage people to come and learn. Line dance instruction, along with fitness and nutrition classes are also offered.

A bonus to We Are Washington is the fact that it is the home of the Booker T. Washington High School Alumni Archives, located in the front original building of the former school. The school’s history is evident throughout the center from the original bleacher benches in the gym to the lockers which line the hallways. Donnie praises how fortunate they were to get the building in good shape. He credits many people who have helped this dream become a reality: “The smart thing is to invest in this community. I want it become an example of how to change a community and city as a whole for the better.” It is his hope that We Are Washington can continue to help the community by offering services to all who wish to participate. He applauds others with helping this passion come to fruition, including Texarkana Arkansas Mayor Allen Brown, City Manager Jay Ellington, and Dr. Becky Kesler and Dr. Robin Hickerson with the Texarkana Arkansas Independent School District. Donnie praises how seamless the transition has been to convert the 56,000 square feet space into a multi-faceted center. Also located in the front of the school building is the Pathway Resource Center, which provides free services for expecting parents and includes ultrasounds, preparation classes, a Baby Boutique, and other resources. In addition, there is a strong presence and support from the Texarkana, AR Police Department. Former Chief of Police Kristi Bennett and Bobby Jordan, Interim Chief of Police, support the center and outreach programs. The Pride Academy operates out of the center. All of the non-profit partners are actively working to bring more resources and programming for the community center. Donnie is passionate about We Are Washington’s growth and is eager to help make more things happen: “I believe