How you can help The Center

As most of you have probably heard, The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation is in a battle with the city over their land - which is worth $26 million - on West Dallas. The Center has friends on City Council and has created a Save the Center website, which includes a number of ways citizens can help The Center fight to stay at their location of 44 years. Incidentally, the city intends to help The Center relocate and use the money from the sale of the land for grants to nonprofits that serve people with disabilities and mental health issues, but The Center would most likely end up paying higher rent, which their $11 million yearly budget might not allow for. Mayor White has expressed "desire for a reasonable agreement" and is "willing to work with them in considering any location, including the current one." Read his full op-ed here. Meanwhile, here's a comprehensive list of things you can do to help out:

• Sign the petition. We know it's hard to feel like you're really helping out when all you do is fill out an online form, but it's worth a shot.
• Write to city officials. Let the mayor, at-large council members, and your own council member know how you feel. There is a list of city officials along with their phone, fax, and email contact information on SavetheCenter.org. There is a form letter in the works for those of you who'd rather not write in your own words.
• Donate to The Center. Donations are used for tuition assistance, client events, renovations and maintenance, equipment and supplies.

• Join the Friends of Cullen (Cullen is the residence hall at The Center) in going to the City Council meeting on Tuesday April 10th at 2pm. City Council members have encouraged advocates for The Center to be aggressive and make their voices heard, and this is the best way to do it. They ask that participants arrive 30 minutes early. City Hall is located at 900 Bagby.