Page 27 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING J.T. & MARGARET

T ALKINGT ON

TALKINGTON LIFE CENTER BY SHANNA HARGRAVE
CARING FOR

THE HEART

OF LUBBOCK

THE STORY OF THE LUBBOCK DREAM CENTER (LDC)
BEGAN WITH A VISION BIRTHED FROM THE HEARTS OF
JACKIE AND LINDA WHITE, PASTORS OF CHURCH ON THE
ROCK.

Their vision was to invest in the lives of disadvantaged and
overlooked families in the Lubbock community.

his dream began to take shape with a group of
volunteers who came together every Saturday
Tto walk the streets, simply picking up trash and
loving on people they encountered. It became evident
that supplemental food was a great need. A food truck was
graciously donated; food was gathered throughout the
week, and then distributed each Saturday through a mobile young ladies, Thanksgiving meals to over 500 families, after-school and
food pantry. Jackie and Linda’s dream quickly spread to summer activities to numerous children, and so much more. Because of the
the entire community, including churches, non-profit Talkington legacy, the LDC has become a beacon of hope in the darkness
organizations, and businesses, bringing a sense of unity to of poverty that surrounds so many families in the Lubbock community.
the heart of Lubbock. As relationships began to develop
within the community served, trust also grew. Land in the The Dream Center consistently offers over 35 programs which help
vicinity was purchased and construction began. On April improve health status, quality of life, economic increase, community
17, 2010, the LDC building was complete and immediately improvements, and personal growth. However, one enormous, unmet
at full capacity! need in our city is the lack of designated housing that provides a structured
program for women in crisis. This need directed the next step for the
In 2013, the LDC was awarded a generous grant through LDC - the New Legacy Home for Women. The Talkington Foundation
the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Foundation to build a gave another generous grant to build a home for women needing a second
large multipurpose building. With the opening of the chance. This type of specific housing will be the catalyst that will enable
Talkington Life Center in April of 2015, the Lubbock women in crisis to get on a productive path and permanently change the
Dream Center grew from serving 750 to 1600 people legacy they leave for their children.
each week! The Talkington Foundation has made it
possible to provide the basic needs of food and clothing The New Legacy Home is expected to open in the Fall of 2018. The
to countless families in Lubbock. The Talkington Life 24-bed home will be a safe, free-of-charge, non-government funded, faith-
Center is also used to provide prom dresses to almost 300 based discipleship program. According to Shanna Hargrave, Executive

Lubbock Senior Link 27