Nehemiah History
The vision for the Nehemiah Center evolved from a group of
individual members from First Presbyterian Church who tutored
MacGregor Elementary School students. This group of individuals
became increasingly concerned about the children’s academic deficits,
crime-ridden neighborhoods, and lack of affordable after school care.
An informal survey of the neighborhood and surrounding community revealed
only one after school program in the immediate area; a recreation center
operated by the City of Houston.
With nothing but hope and a vision, this small group of tutors moved
forward with a plan to create a safe haven for the children; an after
school program where children receive tutoring, remediation, help with
homework assignments, and exposure to music, drama, and art. The group
held dinners in their homes, where they shared their concern for the
neighborhood and their dream to establish an education center that would
address the academic, social, and emotional needs of the children. Those
dinners netted about $300,000 which was used to purchase the current
property and remodel the building to accommodate a large activity room,
classrooms, and a few offices. In January 1996 the Nehemiah Center
opened its doors with 22 children.
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