LETTER: Gurdon organization aims to repurpose old high school

To our Families, Friends and Others who believe in what we are doing, 

The purpose of this letter is to ask for your financial support in helping to purchase the historic property that was formerly Bell High School located in the City of Gurdon.  Because of the asbestos used in older construction, the plans include tearing down the old structure and building our “Taking Back Our Streets Community Enrichment Center.”

The mission of “Taking Back Our Streets Community Outreach” is to create a safe haven for our children, youth, adults, and veterans.  We will  provide educational, employment, and recreational opportunities in a safe, protected environment. 

This will greatly strengthen the community, restore hope to our future generation(s?), and protect the history of a community and its people.

The small town of Gurdon, Arkansas is located in Clark County and has a diverse population of 1,845.  The poverty rate is 19.65%; one of the highest in Arkansas. 

There is a definite need for a senior center.  Also, the children need a safe  place to go after school, on weekends, during the summer and on holidays.

Yet, because of the low volume of taxes collected it is not possible for the City of Gurdon to provide such places that the community can freely access. 

That is why “Taking Back our Streets”  really needs your help.  Beginning now. the community will be involved from this point forward. 

Formerly, the middle school, which is closed down and is now privately owned, is a part of our history. During the time of segregation, it was the school African Americans attended and was known as Bell High School. The names of the graduating students of 1961 are engraved on the sidewalk in front of the school.  This was the last graduating class before the schools were integrated. 

This  history needs to be documented and preserved for future generations.

The TBOS Board Members and Volunteers would be happy to meet and discuss the project in detail with interested groups and individuals. We are also accepting in-kind donations.

We would be very grateful to receive your donations at the address listed below. Please feel free to contact us at the phone number, also listed below.

Sincerely,

Corey Turner, Minister/Volunteer Director
(870) 353-7470

Taking Back Our Streets Community Outreach
P.O. Box 4
Gurdon, AR 71743