A New Era for Cedar Crest: The Soft Grand Opening of the Community Center

On January 11, 2024, the Cedar Crest Community Center reopened its doors, marking the beginning of a new era for the South Oak Cliff community in Dallas. Once closed and forgotten, this vital community asset has been transformed and brought back to life thanks to the dedication of Behind Every Door (BED) Ministries, Inc. and the support of key partners. The soft grand opening celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, community collaboration, and a vision to restore hope and opportunity.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Remember

The ribbon-cutting event was a vibrant and joyous occasion, attended by community leaders, supporters, and neighbors eager to witness the rebirth of this beloved center. The ceremony featured powerful words from Darrion Lewis, President and CEO of Behind Every Door, and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold, who highlighted the importance of this center in revitalizing the neighborhood. Adding to the excitement, the Roosevelt High School Marching Band delivered an electrifying performance that energized the crowd and set the tone for the day.

A Comprehensive Restoration for a Brighter Future

The renovation included three key components:

4,000 Square-Foot Fieldhouse and Sports Fields: The new fieldhouse and turf sports fields can accommodate football, soccer, lacrosse, and Little League baseball, promoting physical fitness and teamwork among youth.

20,000 Square-Foot Community Building: Now a hub for literacy, art, and community activities, this space will host everything from after-school programs to art classes.

4,000 Square-Foot Assembly Building: Upgraded with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, this building will teach students valuable A/V skills, preparing them for future careers.

We are thrilled to be a part of the rich history of the Cedar Crest community in a meaningful way. Behind Every Door is committed to providing pathways of hope for the residents who keep this neighborhood thriving. The Cedar Crest Community Center is not just a building; it’s a symbol of hope and a catalyst for positive change.

Darrion Lewis

The center’s offerings are extensive, including a fitness room, a basketball gym, a golf simulator, and locker room facilities. It will also house the Lightpath Health Clinic, a Mental Health Clinic, a prayer and worship space, and classrooms for educational programming. Youth and multigenerational services will cover financial literacy, physical health, and mental health, provided by Veritex Bank, Catalyst Health, and the Center for Integrative Counseling.

A Holistic Approach to Community Support

Since its founding in 2009, Behind Every Door has taken a holistic, multi-generational approach to community empowerment. The Cedar Crest Community Center joins two other BED-managed centers in Dallas, offering after-school enrichment, parent education, senior programming, community events, job training, and more. The Cedar Crest location will serve more than 3,000 low-income community members, providing resources and support for lasting impact.

Making the Vision Possible

The project was made possible with critical funding from the Dallas Development Fund, which provided $10 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) financing. Despite budget increases due to inflation and necessary stormwater site work, the NMTC subsidy ensured the scope of work remained intact, allowing Cedar Crest to offer a diverse range of services.

Now Open to the Public

The Cedar Crest Community Center, located at 1007 Hutchins Road, Dallas, Texas 75203, is now open and ready to serve the community. The center stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment to creating spaces where hope can thrive and every individual can reach their full potential.

We are grateful for the incredible support from our partners and community members who made this transformation possible. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Dallas!