Green Street Community Center hires new director, expands services

The Green Street Community Center has hired a new director.

Jacqueline Denson, a Selma native and retired Army veteran, recently became director of the center, which operates as an extension of Dallas County System of Services, commonly known as DCSOS.

Denson says they are expanding its efforts to serve children and families across Selma and Dallas County.

"We're a hub for the children of this community," Denson said. "We're a hub for the children of not only just the children, but for the parents, too, as well."

The center, located at 303 Green St., provides resources and support services for children, teens and families, particularly those facing economic challenges. Denson said anyone in need can participate in programs offered through the center.

The Green Street Community Center has operated under DCSOS for about two years. Denson said staff members are working to expand programs and increase services available to residents.

Among the additions planned is an onsite therapist who will provide support for children and teens dealing with mental health concerns, depression, substance abuse and other challenges.

"We're going to have an onsite therapist for our children, for our teens," Denson said. "She's going to provide support, emotional, whatever need those children have that deals with mental awareness or depression, substance abuse, or whatever it may be."

The center also works with youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Staff members visit young people in detention facilities and continue providing case management services after their release.

"We keep in contact with them, making sure that they have what they need," Denson said. "If they're homeless or anything like that, trying to get them a stable place to stay, not just for the children, but also for their families."

Denson said the center recently opened its own food pantry, supplied in part through the Selma area food network, to help families facing food insecurity.

In addition to intervention programs, the center focuses on prevention by working with students in local schools before they become involved in the juvenile justice system.

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"We try to prevent that from happening," Denson said.

Programs offered at the center include STEM education, vocational development, mentoring, arts and crafts, music activities and recreational gaming spaces designed to provide children with a safe environment.

The center is also seeking additional volunteers and instructors, including someone to help lead its music program on a more regular basis.

Services are not limited to children. Denson said the center offers a variety of classes for adults, including women's wellness, parenting, co-parenting conflict resolution, anger management and effective communication.

"We're going to be providing all those resources for free," she said. "There is no cost to anyone. They just have to come in and enroll and we get them started."

According to Denson, more than 1,000 children and family members were served during the previous fiscal year.

"Anybody who has a need, you don't have to be in the juvenile system," she said. "You don't have to live in GWC homes. If you have a need, just call me at 334-349-4926, and we'll get you connected. If we cannot provide the resources, we'll find someone who can."

Denson said the center's mission is to address problems before they become crises.

"We're trying to be proactive and not reactive," she said. "We're trying to help rebuild the community, the neighborhood that's around here in this area. We're trying to make it better for the residents, for the children, for the families."

A graduate of Selma High School, Denson served 23 years in the U.S. Army before retiring in 2015 with the rank of sergeant first class. During her military career, she worked in human resources and served as a sexual harassment prevention and equal opportunity officer. She later earned a degree from Columbia College in Missouri.

The Green Street Community Center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some evening programs extending operating hours. Denson said residents seeking assistance can contact the center directly to learn more about available services. Call (334) 526-4567.