In 1995, the Wellington Opportunity Center was established as an after-school program that assisted children in the completion of homework, and mentoring from adults for children in the community. A select few caring adults donated their time, energy and funds to keep the program going year after year for almost two decades. The Wellington Opportunity Center, Inc. has been a powerful agent in the
growth and development of many of the children both in the community, and those children who move on to different communities outside of the area. It takes a village to raise children, and the Wellington Opportunity Center has received support to achieve its goals. Today, our program consists of many of these same elements, but in addition, the Wellington Opportunity Center, Inc. endeavors to assist children in not only the completion of their homework, but a variety of other programs to instill good moral behaviors and teaching children that there are consequences, either good or bad, to all decisions they make. We also teach the children in the community that there are tremendous opportunities in the world for those who move forward and search out the opportunities as they are presented, so as to achieve their goals. We serve all children and young adults in the surrounding communities who come from all walks of life. provides children and young adults of six communities with a summer program each year. Currently our program is focused on furthering the education in the areas of science and culture. Summer of 2022 provided various programs four days per week for six weeks to include programs at the Collingsworth County Library, the Ritz theatre summer movie program, and the Amarillo Zoo brought animals from the zoo to our community once per week. We attended Panfork encampment once per week for fishing, swimming, and ziplining. We also provided cultural studies by sponsoring a Native American dance and story-telling group to come to Wellington. We do science and labs sponsored by the Don Harrington Discovery Center. They have come to Wellington every summer since June 2015. Currently we are searching for other opportunities in addition to those already in existence to present to the children. The Wellington Opportunity Center’s after School program focuses on children, Kindergarten through Fifth grade. We can provide special one on one tutoring for those who need a little extra assistance in subjects at school that might be causing students problems. Each day, the Center provides a filling meal for each student. Due to the sizable numbers of students attending our facility, transportation is provided by the school district from the elementary school to our facility. We hire High School Students to provide one on one tutoring and mentoring for the elementary school students who attend our program, which provides job skills training, life skills training, work ethic training, and support for the young adults of the community. At the beginning of the school year, the high school counselor enlists students who are interested in participating in our after-school program. The Executive Director then reviews the applicants and interviews each student. Those who pass the interview are called in for additional instruction and training to meet the requirements of employment. Our High School also has a program that offers college courses for Juniors and Seniors, which accelerates the number of college credits accumulated prior to their entry into the college of their choice. This program is funded by a foundation who pays for these college classes in exchange for working at the Wellington Opportunity Center, Inc., which greatly reduces the quantity of capital required for payroll. This benefits not only our young adults, but also benefits our program. The students who, during the interview, show an interest to participate, but are not chosen for employment, will be called back to our facility and instructed on ways to improve their interview skills. Those Students hired to participate in the program will be instructed in tutoring elementary school children and taught to understand the importance of being a mentor for these young children, as well as being instructed in the importance of work ethic. serves six communities in the immediate area, which includes Samnorwood, Hedley, Dodson, Lutie, Wellington, and Quail. Our average enrollment is approximately 30 students in the afterschool program and approximately 50 students in the Summer Program. Statistics show, children who are educated, have a high self-esteem, and are involved in their communities, are less likely to become involved in unacceptable, risky behaviors. We are a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. This program is available to children from all walks of life, which means your children or grandchildren are eligible also. All children attend free of charge. Enrollment forms are available at the Wellington Opportunity Center Inc. on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
