T.O.P.S. Empowerment Center ( thanks Ron Wilson )

William Singer, left, is interviewed by Pastor Maurice Graham, right, Wednesday afternoon at the TOPS Community Empowerment Center in Dothan.
By Lance Griffin

Published: January 28, 2009

Debra Thomas walked Kenneth Glasgow from room to room in the old Evergreen Plaza on North Lena Street, breaking down a big vision into chunks of attainable goals.“OK, this is where the computer lab is going to be,” Thomas said, pointing into a room consisting of a few computer parts on carts.She continues pointing and walking.“Now, we’re going to have computers in the classroom, but I want the lab available for people who need to come in during the day and use the computers, or learn computer skills.”Not much has taken place at the old office buildings since WAGF Radio moved out several years ago. But Glasgow wants to change the mostly vacant structure into “an oasis of learning,” complete with GED training, life skills classes, spiritual counseling, mentoring, job skills training and a recording studio lab of sorts.He shakes his head in agreement as Thomas continues to walk down the hall, assigning purposes for every room.“Yes. Yes. Yes,” said Glasgow, founder of a local social activist group known as The Ordinary People Society (TOPS). “I want to have something going on day and night.”Glasgow said the place will be known as the TOPS Community Empowerment Center, a place where people can come to better themselves emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.GED training classes are already being held at the center, and a GED pre-test is scheduled for next week. But Thomas said it’s just the beginning.“There are good things going on in the community and we want to build on that,” said Thomas, the center’s development director. “We have the soup kitchens in town and that is a good thing, but what we want to do is teach people to feed themselves.”Wallace College is also exploring the possibility of offering adult education classes at the center, Wallace spokesperson Sally Buchanan said.Along with the plans for counseling, classes and mentoring, Glasgow said one of the offices could be turned into a recording studio to allow interested residents to explore recording, as well as the marketing side of the recording business.People interested in taking advantage of the services offered can come to the center and fill out an assessment form that will determine the person’s needs.Thomas said she is seeking donations of equipment such as computers and school desks as well as volunteers with electrical and plumbing experience.
THANKS TO RON WILSON WE CAN EMPOWER OUR PEOPLE!!!