This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Middle Tyger Community Center. MTCC is a unique collaboration between several state agencies, including District Five Schools of Spartanburg, District Five Ministries, DSS, DHEC, and Spartanburg adult education. It provides services to many, many people in need, including childcare for teenage mothers so that they can complete school, a food bank, and relief for those who need help paying bills. There are also classes for adult education, GED, and ESOL. When the major employer in town, Springs Industries, closed shop a couple of years ago, the center provided career counseling and job hunting services. Lots of people find things to make their tough lives easier here.
The center is housed in the old Lyman Elementary School building. Our district still owns the property and provides insurance for the building. We also serve as their financial agent, and we provide technology services for the center, including a complete computer lab. and Internet access.
One of my first tasks as a new tech coordinator was to design the infrastructure for the center and to provide access to the district’s network. it was then that I met it’s first, and so far only director, Wanda Fowler. Wanda is one of the most passionate, caring people I have ever met. She has done wonders for the center in securing grant fund and making the center a viable, sustainable resource. I am proud of my association with MTCC, and I’m proud to call Wanda a dear friend. I’m also proud of her fine staff, with whom I’ve also become close in these ten years.
Congratulations, Middle Tyger, and here’s to another successful 10 years, and many more beyond that!