In the heart of Winston-Salem, a unique nonprofit organization stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. The Winston-Salem Center for Education and the Arts (WSCEA), under the leadership of its dedicated President, Cathy Owen, has been making a profound impact by providing rent-free space to four essential nonprofits: Leadership Winston-Salem (LWS), Winston-Salem Street School (WSSS), Dress for Success (DFS), and Authoring Action (A2). This article delves into the history, mission, and remarkable contributions of WSCEA and its partner nonprofits.
A Building with a Purpose
The WSCEA’s story begins with the transformation of a former Employment Security Commission building located at 624 W. 6th St. A group of visionary individuals with a strong commitment to their community acquired the building, forming a 501(c)(3) organization named the Winston-Salem Center for Education and the Arts. Remarkably, WSCEA has thrived for 13 years without paid staff, relying on the guidance of a dedicated board of community volunteers.
A Journey of Renovation and Resilience
The journey of WSCEA involved an extensive renovation of the building, which officially commenced in April 2011. Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers, significant savings of $50,000 were realized by demolishing the interior of the building. Through a robust capital campaign that garnered support from corporations, foundations, and individuals, WSCEA successfully raised $475,000.
The first phase of renovation was completed in September 2012, with Winston-Salem Street School (WSSS) being the first nonprofit to find its new home in the building. Subsequently, Leadership Winston-Salem (LWS), Authoring Action (A2), and Dress for Success (DFS) joined the WSCEA family as part of Phase 2 in September 2014. The critical advantage for these nonprofits was the opportunity to operate rent-free, enabling them to redirect funds towards expanding their outreach programs.
Collaboration and Collective Impact
One of the defining features of WSCEA is the co-location of four nonprofits under one roof. This physical proximity has fostered collaboration and allowed them to leverage collective resources for greater efficiency. The nonprofits are not duplicating existing services but are instead enhancing the effectiveness of programs already enriching Winston-Salem.
Supporting Underserved Communities
Three of the four nonprofits supported by WSCEA—WSSS, A2, and DFS—primarily serve minority populations from underserved demographics. Each organization contributes to the economic upliftment of its clients in unique ways.
Authoring Action (A2) annually serves 50-60 teenagers aged 13-18. Their mission revolves around creative writing, spoken word, visual and media arts, filmmaking, and leadership education, aiming to create positive systemic change in the lives of youth.
Dress for Success (DFS) serves over 400 women annually, empowering them to achieve economic independence from poverty. DFS provides a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive in both work and life.
Winston-Salem Street School (WSSS) serves approximately 65 high school students each year who have faced challenges preventing them from succeeding in traditional high school settings. WSSS equips them with the skills and education needed to become productive members of the community, earning a recognized high school diploma from the State of North Carolina.
Leadership Winston-Salem (LWS) plays a crucial role in educating, connecting, and energizing local leaders to serve and improve the community. Their programs educate emerging and senior leaders about the community’s challenges and opportunities.
The Retaining Wall Campaign
Currently, WSCEA is embarking on a critical campaign to raise funds for the replacement of a retaining wall that borders part of their property. This retaining wall supports the elevated land upon which the building and adjacent paved/parking areas stand. Engineering reports have identified the serious deterioration of the wall, which is approaching the end of its useful life. Signs of distress include multiple large cracks, missing stones, and bulging, all of which pose a potential hazard to pedestrians.
The ramifications of not addressing this issue are significant. The loss of any portion of the retaining wall could undermine the building’s footings, rendering it unsuitable and unsafe for occupancy. This would not only displace the tenants but also deprive them of the rent-free space that has been instrumental in their missions, causing financial hardships.
The current campaign aims to raise $250,000 to replace the retaining wall, covering a length of 194 linear feet ranging from 5 to 9 feet tall. Additionally, a $30,000 reserve is being set aside for future building repairs and improvements, ensuring the long-term sustainability of WSCEA and its invaluable support to the Winston-Salem community.
Cathy Owen and the Winston-Salem Center for Education and the Arts exemplify the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives. Through their commitment to providing rent-free space to vital nonprofits, WSCEA continues to be a beacon of hope, empowerment, and collaboration in Winston-Salem. As they embark on their retaining wall campaign, they invite the community to join hands in preserving this essential hub of support for years to come. WSCEA is located at 624 West Sixth Street Winston Salem, NC 27101. For more information, contact us at info@wscea.org.
Help keep the doorway to learning and creativity open in downtown Winston-Salem by making your tax-deductible gift to the WSCEA today. We accept donations via check, credit card, PayPal, and stock contributions. Checks should be made out to “WSCEA” and mailed to:
WSCEA
624 W. Sixth St Suite #170
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
