Our Mission
Our mission at EAWC is to enrich the hearts and lives of children and strengthen the family through the love of Christ. Although we are a Christian organization, we welcome young people of all backgrounds and religions, and we do not require any child or their family to participate in Christian-based activities or discussions. Our Christian principles do, however, inform our approach to service, as we unconditionally love, encourage, and support each and every young person who walks through our doors.
About EAWC
The Euell A. Wilson Center (EAWC) is a cornerstone of hope and support in Fort Wayne, empowering youth and families through FAITH, FAMILY, and SERVICE.
Founded by Shirley Woods in memory of her son and local athlete Euell A. Wilson, the center provides a safe, nurturing space for personal growth and development. With a focus on Christ’s love, the EAWC transforms lives by offering programs that enrich the MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors at the Euell A. Wilson Center is comprised of dedicated community leaders who share a deep commitment to empowering youth and families. Through their guidance and leadership, we are able to advance our mission of nurturing minds, bodies, and spirits in the Fort Wayne community. Their collective expertise and passion ensure that our programs continue to make a meaningful impact and uphold the values of faith, family, and service.
Nicholas Toney - Chair & Treasurer
Vice President, Lake City Bank
George Hicks - Vice Chair
Consultant, Audit Management, Lincoln Financial Group
Kent Walker - Vice Treasurer
IT, Fort Wayne Community Schools
Donald Keller - Secretary
Vice President, Lincoln Life
John F. Popp
President, Aunt Millie's Bakeries
William "Tuck" Hopkins
Retired, Barnes and Thornburg, LP
Pastor Luther Whitfield
Senior Pastor, New Covenant Worship Center
Shirley Woods
Founder, Euell A. Wilson Center
Annette Dufor
Executive Director, Euell A. Wilson Center
Our History
The Euell A. Wilson Center (EAWC) was founded to honor the life of Euell Wilson, a gifted young man who was known throughout the Fort Wayne community not only for his remarkable academic and athletic abilities but also for his humility, kindness, and generosity. In fact, although he was an aspiring college football player, Euell’s ultimate dream had always been to help children. Following his unexpected passing in 1992, Euell’s mother, Shirley Woods, honored her son’s legacy by opening her backyard to at-risk children in southeast Fort Wayne.
The first day Ms. Woods “opened her doors” and offered this safe haven, ten children arrived; the second day, forty children arrived. It was immediately clear to Ms. Woods that families in her community did indeed crave a secure and structured place for their children to spend time after school. It was also clear to Ms. Woods that her backyard would not suffice. In 1995, EAWC opened its facility doors at 1512 Oxford Street, and today, 30 years later, it continues to serve disadvantaged youth in southeast Fort Wayne.
