GLORIA J. TAYLOR FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP, AND YOUTH ADVOCACY



GLORIA J. TAYLOR FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP, AND YOUTH ADVOCACY

 

30 years of providing children with an environment that breeds positive goals and develops a determined spirit that lives beyond a dream

 

 

(Olympia Fields, Illinois)- The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation (GJTF) is celebrating 30 years of remarkable success in the development of young people, the promotion of educational excellence, and its tremendous achievements in helping to build safe and positive communities. On October 6th Gloria J. Taylor would have been 82 years old. During the week of October 5th, The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation will be doing an act of kindness every day that week in memory of Gloria J. Taylor.


Founded in 1996 by two magnificent siblings who sought to continue the path of community engagement left to them by their late mother, former 3rd Ward Harvey Alderwoman Gloria J. Taylor, career educator Dr. Theresa Dixon and renowned businessman Cliff Taylor collectively engineered an organization that has propelled the lives of thousands of youth throughout Cook County. They were firm in coalescing a team of board members, advisors and staff that has created a programmatic thrust for young boys and girls to achieve academic success, citizenship, and civic responsibility.


Alderwoman Gloria Taylor's dream was to see her community move in a positive direction. She wanted economic growth for her town, and she wanted to see more youth stay in school and receive the education needed to excel in today’s society. She knew that something we all have in common is being able to look back over our lives and remember someone who has helped us reach our goals. Whether it was a word of encouragement or financial support, we all rely on each other to succeed. Clearly Dr. Dixon and Mr. Taylor has achieved the vision of their late mother and have been relentless in their common goal of never turning away a young soul.


“Our mother held Cliff and I accountable for understanding the importance of engaging ourselves in the community. Activism and volunteerism were not only a common theme in our household, but a way of life. Her enormous impact could never just be limited to our household, but it extended throughout Harvey, Illinois and beyond. We simply bottled all of these experiences and created an organization that has given young people an olive branch that entails every quality-of-life tool needed to succeed.” says GJTF CEO Dr. Theresa Dixon.


The GJTF mission has always been rooted throughout numerous regions of Cook County where young people have lacked external assistance in their quest to achieve academic success and access to positive extracurricular activities. GJTF cherishes its popular motto of “If you cannot be a shining example, you may be a horrible warning.” Many communities have been plagued with economic deprivation and educational failure. But GJTF has always sought to respond to the deepest needs of these neighborhoods. They engineered the thought process to adhere to the demands of developing people by utilizing the voices of children all while learning from the wisdom of our past. The foundation views children as its most precious commodity.


“For three decades our organization has been steadfast in developing bright stars. We will continue to provide our children with an environment that breeds positive goals and develops a determined spirit that lives beyond a dream. Our mother believed that the wounds of our past give us wisdom for healing our future. Theresa and I remain proud of the legacy which our mother charged us to carry. We know that she is still our foremost advocate, ultimate cheerleader, and overseer from above.” says GJTF Co- Founder Cliff Taylor.


Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin adds, “We all have been well pleased concerning the tremendous success of the Gloria Taylor Foundation. There have been hundreds of youths who have received assistance for college, tutorial services, and professional development from the various programs the foundation provides. Alderwoman Taylor would be so thrilled and motherly proud of Dr. Dixon and Mr. Taylor.”


“Ive been blessed to work closely with the Gloria Taylor Foundation in its successful endeavors throughout the southland. Theresa and Cliff are the perfect examples of good community stewards. They continue to offer our youth many programs which are not always readily available in public schools. GJTF continues to be the beacon of light that continues to shine over our neighborhoods.” Says Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill.


Gloria J. Taylor

 

Alderwoman/Commissioner Gloria Taylor's dream was to see her community move in a positive direction. She wanted economic growth for her town, and she wanted to see more youth stay in school and receive the education needed to excel in today's society. She knew that something we all have in common is being able to look back over our lives and remember someone who has helped us reach our goals. Whether it was a word of encouragement or financial support, we all rely on each other to succeed.


 

Gloria J. Taylor Foundation

 

The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation is based on being that support that helps build dreams. We believe in the preservation of dignity and self-worth of every individual. We intend to promote the development of a productive and positive self-image by assisting each individual to achieve his or her highest level of productivity.

The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation is dedicated to providing comprehensive, competent, and caring services. We intend to support the continuing need for educational support and self-awareness. Our ultimate goal is the preservation of life, family, and community unity within our inner city.


To learn more about The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation, or to donate, please visit www.gjtf.org.

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