GASTONIA, N.C. — It has been nearly seven years since Roxann Jimison helped start the Dream Center Academy in Gastonia.
“I’m an educator that loves working with students. This was my after-retirement job,” said Jimison, the program’s executive director.
“We work with the school system for the right students for this program. Those are students that have academic potential but may have at-risk factors,” she explained.
Since 2017, the after-school program has helped middle and high school students get college-ready. That includes students like high school freshmen Kenneth Massey and Logan Hawkins.
Massey said without the program he wouldn’t have anything to do. Hawkins said he’s grateful for what he's been able to enjoy.
“Definitely a lot of opportunities that have opened for me," said Hawkins. "Especially in this area [that is] low-income.”
Recently, the DCA opened another window of opportunity. Thanks to community support and generous donors, the program was able to open a fully equipped fitness center.
“We can stay fit and healthy, which is a big part of everyday life,” Hawkins said.
“You can lift whatever you want to lift without getting in trouble. It’s quiet so you can just lift,” Massey added.
2023 numbers from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps national report show Gaston County is 58th out of all 100 counties in North Carolina when it comes to health outcomes. It is an indicator of how long people live on average along with physical and mental health experiences.
Gaston County is also ranked 62nd when it comes to quality of life.
DCA says it’s working to turn the tide, whether it’s hitting the books or weights.
“We are just that extra layer of support of what they get in school,” Jimison said.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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