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History of the DeNeuville Learning Center
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On August 8, 1997, DeNeuville Heights School for Girls, operated by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, closed its doors after 33 years of faithful service. DeNeuville Heights School for Girls was an in-depth residential rehabilitation and educational program. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd proved to be so successful in helping young women that Bishop Terry Steib requested that they remain in Memphis and embark upon a new venture. From that request and the Sisters’ desire to help the Memphis community, DeNeuville Learning Center was born.
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd leased a building from the St. Therese Little Flower Church on 840 Dickinson St. and renovated it with the funds received from the Assisi Foundation’s “Moving Project.” The DeNeuville Learning Center opened its doors on April 13, 1998. The program operated out of this 4000 square foot facility for nine years. In 2005, the Center was awarded a grant from The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc for the purchase and renovation of a 8000 SF facility at 190 S. Cooper St. DeNeuville moved to this location in December 2006. This new building initiative of the Assisi Foundation serves the goal of increasing the visibility of DeNeuville in the community, continuing the services that has been offered, creating an awareness of the value of life-long learning, and making DeNeuville a location where other agencies can meet and serve their best practices. Sr. Lakshmie Napagoda has been the director of the program from its beginning to present.
About
DeNeuville Learning Center
The purpose of the DeNeuville Learning Center is to guide women from all backgrounds and cultures in learning the skills needed to make positive choices for themselves and their families. It is accomplished through education, counseling, and promoting ways to enhance one’s self worth and dignity. DeNeuville offers classes in computer Studies, GED Preparation, English as a Second Language, Job Readiness and search assistance, Money Management, Citizenship Test Preparation classes, parenting, Anger Management classes and arts and crafts such as sewing and Cake Decorating. In addition, DeNeuville also provides counseling services and assists women with babysitting, and emergency needs. The DeNeuville Learning Center Staff (seventy five percent are professional Volunteers) assists the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in carrying out its mission. |
