AT A GLANCE: COMMUNIT Y CENTER IMPACT A Family’s Testimonial Gloria Walls is one of our closest neighbors. She has lived in South Dallas since 1970 and on Panama, a quaint and quiet street located directly behind St. Philip’s campus, since 1984. “I raised my four boys here and four of my grandchildren,” she tells Lasheryl Walker, our Community Center Coordinator, on a recent sunny spring afternoon in her living room. “St. Philip’s has made a big impact on all of our lives.” Hers is a three generational impact story. Walls used to play baseball for St. Philip’s in the 1960’s when it was just a small community center. “I remember the nuns! We’ve come a long way since the ‘60’s when St. Philip’s was just a small church building and a gym. Wasn’t no brick back then. Just concrete.” Her sons played sports for St. Philip’s when they were growing up, as well. “My son, Justin, won a lot of trophies
something to help make them successful. Dominique participated
with Coach Green.” Walls loved how that they were able to travel
in Y.E.S., one of St. Philip’s college readiness programs for first
all over the country through the athletic program. Her grandsons
generation college attendees. He also worked for Americorps
– Dominique and Ben – continued the family tradition, playing
at St. Philip’s for a couple years, saved his money, and went to
basketball and football as St. Philip’s SAINTS. She’s quick to point
college. He graduated from Prairie View A&M University and is
out, however, that athletics isn’t the only aspect of the St. Philip’s
now in the workforce. His brother Ben is holding a steady job.
ministry that’s positively touched the lives of her family.
“I’ve seen so much growth in all my grandkids,” Walls explains.
They wanted to go to St. Philip’s – not just to play - but to get
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SUMMER MAGAZINE 2017
“The Community Center is valuable to us. I have peace of mind
www.stphilips1600.org
