Nonprofits in Allen County uplift our residents, empowering them to move from dependence to independence. But what enables our citizens to succeed isn’t just their self-reliance. Individuals need to recognize their interdependence—understanding that as family, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens, they are dependent upon one another’s successes, too. When individuals help others help themselves, our entire community thrives. 

An organization in Fort Wayne that demonstrates this impact is the Euell A. Wilson Center. Founded in honor of Euell A. Wilson, a standout athlete at Bishop Dwenger High School who passed away at 19, the Center serves youth and families through education, engagement, and empowerment programs and services that nurture the whole person. 

Tamia Parker attended the Euell A. Wilson Center from the time she was six until she graduated from Snider High School in 2017. Her testimonial demonstrates the immense impact the Center’s programming has on youth in our community. 

“The Euell Wilson Center plays a major role in who I am today. Not only has their programming helped me advance academically and socially, but it has also helped me develop character. I took advantage of every opportunity they gave me to learn and build relationships.”

At the Center, Tamia danced and played the drums and piano. She also participated in the Academic Excellence Program, Leadership Club, Jewels, and more. 

“Jewels taught me how to carry myself as a young lady, and I’ve returned to the Center to continue participating in the program by mentoring young girls, just as I was mentored. Academic Excellence helped me stay sharp in my academics over the summer, preparing me for the next grade level. Leadership Club helped me understand character and the importance of team building. Dance gave me the opportunity to travel and express myself through movement at several different local and state events and venues. 

“These programs allowed me to meet new friends as a timid kid and explore all the extracurricular activities available to me. Being surrounded by the genuine loving staff, and the selfless acts of kindness they have shown me growing up, has inspired me in many ways. With the center being in an underserved community, it has served as a comfort for me. To see people like me, helping me and many others in the community, was vital in helping me understand the opportunities available to me at an early age.”

After graduation from Snider High School, Tamia attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, where she obtained her Bachelor of Art in Psychology in May 2021. 

“I like to say that I am a resource to those in our community, just as the Euell Wilson Center has been for me. I intentionally came back to invest in the Euell Wilson Center in whatever way I can, because I know this is a place that the community needs, that the kids need, and most importantly because it was what I needed when I attended. 

“I currently mentor the young ladies in the Jewels program at the Euell Wilson Center with the hopes of them growing into young women who know their worth and what they bring to the table regardless of the odds stacked against them. I want to give back what was given to me—and then some. With social media and other influences interfering with the youth’s mental health and development, I believe it is vital that they have someone who is not only relatable, but has the passion and drive to lead them.”

Tamia currently serves as a Family Coach at SCAN. She has recently been accepted into Purdue Fort Wayne’s graduate school program, where she will be pursuing her M.S.Ed in clinical mental health counseling.

“I am an advocate of mental health awareness for my community with the hopes of dispersing the stigmas that have had a hold on minorities. My ultimate goal is for every person that I meet to feel understood, valued, and most importantly, loved—just as the family I have created at the Euell Wilson Center has done for me.” 

Thank you, Euell Wilson Center, for your commitment to uplifting our community!