J.L. King Center in Starkville standing strong a year after facing closure

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – About a year ago, the J.L. King Center almost had to close its doors due a lack of funding.

The center was receiving funds through Emerson’s Family-Centered Programs, but due to a government shutdown, Emerson was no longer able to support the center.

But instead of caving in, they fought back and found a way to keep their doors open.

“For awhile we didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Adult Education Instructor Angel Christian.

Christian said that moment left her in disbelief.

“It was just unreal. Like how could we lose funding? How could others not see the necessity and not really appreciate what we have been doing for years,” said Christian.

Christian said shutting down J.L. King would take away programs that helped students.

“We didn’t know if we could still provide the adult education classes,” she said. “Or still have after school programming. Which this community desperately needs.”

With their backs against the wall, the community came in to lend a helping hand.

“We had community partners. Like East Mississippi Community College that does provide GED classes now,” said Christian. “Work preparation as well which I teach. Also, we have our non-profit 501(c)(3) status through great friends and community partners like Allison Bueler and Paul Luckett,” said Christian.

Now, students are still able to continue to sharpen their minds and help further their education.

Kendrick Thompson is a prime example.

He said this center helped him in so many ways.

“It helped me out a lot. For one, it’s a free class. As long as I put my hours in, which I’m entitled to 40 hours. And I have been studying. Going over things that I needed help in. We have tutors come so that’s help right there. In areas that I don’t know. We have tutors come all through the week. It’s awesome man,” said Thompson.

Thompson wants to one day get his college degree.

So the opportunity this center has provided is a step in the right direction.

“Trying to further my education more. Because I got my diploma in 2014 from here,” said Thompson. “But it’s been so long, so, I need to refresh, get back into basics, and I mean, I want to further my education more than what it is. Because I’m planning on going to college and getting a great job,” said Thompson.

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