Lon (Adams) Boyce with Project United Community Development Corporation welcomed the large crowd and stated, "I would like to explain why this project means so much to me personally. To most people here today, I am known as Lon Adams who graduated from high school in this very building in 1982 and I have come home to help better my community."
"First of all, what we are not doing here with this project is housing the homeless or making this a homeless shelter. Secondly, we are not a scam! However we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with goals to offer public services to low and very low income individuals and families in a manner that encourages individual growth, self-sufficiency, self respect and ultimately the economic growth and stability of this community," stated Boyce.
"I would like to thank the Honey Grove Independent School District for helping to make this happen and for believing in this plan," he remarked. "I would like to thank everyone here today for coming out and supporting this great program."
"It has been proven that most teens become problem teens because they don't have anything else to do," Boyce continued. "These community services and support programs cause teens to have positive attitudes that keep them from becoming troubled teens," commented Boyce."
Mr. Boyce has fond memories of the guidance and education he received in Honey Grove.
"While attending school in Honey Grove, Jimmy Doyle was my high school principle and he had high standards and expectations for his students," Boyce recalled.
Mr. Doyle, a popular educator who would later serve as Fannin County Judge, was asked to stand and be recognized.
Boyce went on to say, "I love my hometown of Honey Grove and this is a dream come true for me. When I graduated in 1982, we also had teachers that set high standards and we looked up to them as parents."
Mr. Boyce pointed out Emery Banker, one of his teachers while in school, and stated, "All the teachers that did something positive for me and had high standards back then for me, I still remember their names. That goes for any kid that is guided by their teachers. And I am here to tell you that in today's times, you can't get much done in this life without a good education."
"Honey Grove and Fannin County, Texas is a very special place to live," Boyce told the audience. "We invite whoever wants to be a part of this, to please come be a part of this. Programs we put in place are preventative measures to keep kids out of trouble. Early intervention makes all the difference. Our youth will have various programs such as counseling, computer classes and recreational games and I have challenged men and women that I grew up with here in Honey Grove to mentor these boys and girls to be good men and women someday."
Speaking from the heart, Boyce added, "If you have never found something that you are willing to put every effort you have into it to make it work, then you aren't living."
Honey Grove Community Enrichment Center programs are located at 107 Bois D' Arc Street in Honey Grove, Texas, located at the historic old High School that has an auditorium, gym, tennis court, trade shop and cafeteria.
Community programs at this location will be:
Out of School Programs: Our out of school care and tutoring program is for students and parents who need help and extended hours. The mission is to intentionally engage in the total well being of each child's academic progress and development.
Job Skills Training: Computer learning, career development and job placement.
Comprehensive Youth Development: Our Community Center is a safe haven of community services and support programs. Youth will have various programs such as counseling, computer classes, and recreational games.
Men's Mentor Program: Project United men's mentor program encourages men to be positive role models in their homes and community. Our program challenge men to get involved with youth support programs and to mentor at-risk teens.
Parenting Leadership Program: Parents will improve their child development and child management skills by learning to be a positive role model who develops strong values and beliefs in their children.
Senior Citizen Programs: Our recreational activities for the elderly is designed to get them involved socially for their health and well-being. We believe that the wisdom of the elderly is vital for the development of teens of our community.
Teen Birds and Bees Program: Our program is designed to educate youth to have respect and love for their bodies by remaining abstinent until marriage or adulthood. Youth are informed on the downside of sex such as pregnancy and disease. Our program focuses on positive thinking by encouraging youth to strive for higher education and self-sufficiency.
Women's Mentor Program: Project United womenfs mentor program encourages women to be positive role models in their homes and community. Our program challenge women to get involved with youth support programs and to mentor at-risk teens.
If you would like to volunteer your time or donate an in-kind contribution, contact Project United CDC, PO Box 270035, Dallas, TX 75227-0035, hours of operation are Monday - Friday 9:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. Email address: President of Project United CDC Lon Boyce at
lonboyce@projectunited.org
