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Unveiling Tomorrow’s Possibilities: Wiley University Secures $150,000 Grant from T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo

(Marshall, TX) Wiley University is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the T.D. Jakes Foundation in collaboration with Wells Fargo. This transformative funding is part of a groundbreaking philanthropic investment of $9 million aimed at fostering community development initiatives nationwide.

The grant from T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to address historical disparities and empower marginalized communities. Wiley University joins a select group of 16 community-based organizations across the United States that will leverage this funding to bring about positive change.

The funds awarded to Wiley University will be utilized to create the Financial Literacy Wellness Center at Wiley University. This includes a dedicated space for literacy wellness, the addition of a finance/accounting professor who will increase student experience, and experiential learning that uses financial incentives to strengthen participation and alignment with the University’s career readiness/exploration goals. As a result of the gift, we will assist our community, starting with Wiley students, in achieving greater financial literacy and freedom.

“We are elated to be a recipient of such a generous grant from the T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo,” said Herman J. Felton, Jr., Ph.D., J.D., President/CEO at Wiley University. “This support allows us to increase engagement in financial wellness and introduce opportunities that improve economic mobility through a series of activities and experiences. We are excited to open a financial wellness center and not only impact our campus community, but our surrounding residential community, aligning with our mission as a premier liberal arts institution, with an intentional focus on social good and leadership.”

The T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo’s 10-year strategic partnership reflects a commitment to creating opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. “We have worked at the local and national level to build meaningful partnerships that help us cultivate cultural and economic shifts, and our relationship with Wells Fargo advances what we are aiming to achieve at T.D. Jakes Foundation,” said Kelley Cornish, CEO of T.D. Jakes Foundation. “The grantees will use the funds to arm the next generation of college students with financial literacy and career-building skills and will create much-needed support for entrepreneurs, homebuyers, and the underserved population who have not had access to life-changing and uplifting resources.”

For more information about Wiley University please visit www.wileyc.edu

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About Wiley University
Wiley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal institution, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, with an intentional focus on social good and leadership.

About T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo Partnership

The T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo have joined forces in a 10-year strategic partnership to invest in transformational community development across America. This partnership, which includes a philanthropic investment of $9 million in grants, from the T.D. Jakes Foundation aims to address economic disparities and empower underserved communities.

Televangelist T.D. Jakes wants to help Augusta’s Laney-Walker community eradicate its food desert.

The T.D. Jakes Foundation, in collaboration with Wells Fargo, announced Wednesday a $500,000 grant to the Community Foundation of the CSRA to “fund the introduction and development of a grocery in the Laney-Walker neighborhood of Augusta,” according to a news release.

Bishop T.D. Jakes/Courtesy T.D. Jakes
The grant is part of a $9 million philanthropic effort by the T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo to improve historically underrepresented communities, it said.

The Laney-Walker district, Augusta’s historically Black business district, has relied on dollar stores, fast food and churches to eat for years. The closest grocery, a Kroger on 15th Street, closed in 2017. City leaders have said bringing convenient fresh healthy food options to the area was a priority.

“Disruption is the only solution to systemic inequality. Partnerships with impactful and relevant organizations enable us to provide even more opportunities to transform historically marginalized groups and areas across the entire nation,” Jakes said in the release.

The city has had a partnership with T.D. Jakes Ministries for some time and inked a memorandum of understanding with the church last year. Mayor Garnett Johnson mentioned the partnership in his state of the city address.

The MOU’s stated initiative was to “facilitate development of a grocery/market/wellness center located within the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem communities.”

The store is a separate effort than that of the MCG Foundation to develop a grocery store on 15th Street across from the former Kroger, Foundation President and CEO Ian Mercier said.

Jakes’ real estate arm has undertaken full-blown redevelopment projects in some cities and recently acquired 94 acres of former Fort McPherson land adjacent to Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta for a mixed-use village.

By Susan McCord

DALLAS (February 7, 2024)- The T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), in collaboration with Wells Fargo, are creating opportunities for historically underrepresented communities with a philanthropic investment of $9 million in grants to 16 community-based organizations across the United States. This funding is poised to support the creation of financial wellness and innovation centers, help organizations convert underutilized land into affordable homes, and drive impactful change for college students.

In April 2023, T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo announced a 10-year partnership that could result in up to $1 billion in capital and financing to support underserved communities across the United States.

The philanthropy spans across diverse communities, including Black, Brown, and impoverished White populations. The alliance is a resounding commitment to narrowing divides and empowering marginalized communities with tools and resources for generational wealth. The grants are funded through a donor-advised fund managed at the Communities Foundation of Texas on behalf of T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo.

“This partnership allows both of our organizations to catalyze change in a myriad of sectors and to help craft better lives for those benefiting from the work of the T.D Jakes Foundation and other community organizations funded by the partnership. While our work is just beginning with Wells Fargo, this is a continuation of our organization’s commitment to providing financial literacy, career development opportunities and financial resources for underserved students and communities,” said T.D. Jakes, CEO of T.D. Jakes Group. “Disruption is the only solution to systemic inequality. Partnerships with impactful and relevant organizations enable us to provide even more opportunities to transform historically marginalized groups and areas across the entire nation.”

“To create transformational change, we need to collaborate simultaneously across the multitude of issues facing our communities,” said Darlene Goins, head of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo. “With our philanthropic investment, Wells Fargo is aiming to expand the reach of the T.D. Jakes Foundation across housing, small business, and financial health to help tackle the complexities of the wealth gap.”

The 16 community-based organizations represent a combined effort to strengthen the economic, entrepreneurial and cultural infrastructure across America. These grant recipients will use the funds to further financial literacy in Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), build career centers and offices, support affordable housing projects and cultivate top-tier careers for college students.

Organizations receiving grants include:

“We have worked at the local and national level to build meaningful partnerships that help us cultivate cultural and economic shifts, and our relationship with Wells Fargo advances what we are aiming to achieve at T.D. Jakes Foundation,” said Kelley Cornish, CEO of T.D. Jakes Foundation. “The grantees will use the funds to arm the next generation of college students with financial literacy and career building skills and will create much needed support for entrepreneurs, homebuyers and the underserved population who have not had access to life-changing and uplifting resources.”

About T.D. Jakes Foundation
T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership. For more than 40 years, T.D. Jakes has connected diverse communities across socio-economic divides. Through the work of T.D. Jakes Foundation, Chairman Jakes is harnessing decades of resources and connections to prepare people for success in the 21st-century workforce, lift underserved populations and connect corporations to new, highly skilled pools of talent amid increasing global competition. For additional information visit: https://tdjfoundation.org/

About The T.D. Jakes Group
The T.D. Jakes Group is a global conglomerate that’s worked for more than four decades at the intersection of mission, ministry and marketplace to solve society’s problems through strategic alliances creating equity and providing solutions for underrepresented and underserved communities. The organization’s four pillars operate globally: T.D. Jakes Enterprises is a civil rights award-winning social impact holding company reaching millions through entrepreneurial training, minority business accelerator initiatives and trailblazing representation in streaming unscripted series, film, music and publishing that has grossed over $500 million worldwide through original entertainment content; T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership; T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures is actively developing sustainable communities with a focus on economic development, eradicating food deserts and opening doors for home ownership and wealth building where none existed before.; T.D. Jakes Ministries is a faith-based international organization who’s inspiring content is translated to over 90 languages each week, and whose returning citizen advocacy work has helped over 30,000 individuals create lasting, generational change.

Learn how the T.D. Jakes Group is creating a more equitable society through innovative concepts and disruptive partnerships by visiting www.tdjakes.org/newsroom

The rise of A.I. is forcing industries to confront antiquated practices and ideas about approaching business. Fortunately, T.D. Jakes, a self-proclaimed businessman, is dedicated to ushering entrepreneurs and spiritual leaders into the next phase of technology.

T.D. Jakes’ 2024 International Leadership Summit will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center from March 21-23, 2024 and the theme will focus on tackling the challenges of tomorrow: A.I. and innovation.

This is timely as the AI market is projected to hit a valuation of $407 billion by 2027. Most worryingly, according to a recent report from Forbes, 77% of people shared their concern that AI could wipe out their jobs.

“In a volatile culture, understanding and leveraging optimal timing is crucial for leaders, and no matter the industry, timing is everything,” a news release announcing the summit states. “This year’s International Leadership Summit will focus on harnessing the power of timing. The event will help leaders and visionaries gain a competitive edge by equipping them with the wisdom to recognize the rhythms to effective leadership and innovation to capitalize on emerging opportunities.”

The conference will include a robust lineup of speakers that include T.D. Jakes, CEO of the T.D. Jakes Group, Sarah Jakes Roberts, A.R. Bernard, pastor, civil rights activist and founding senior pastor of Christian Cultural Center, Angela Williams, president and CEO, United Way Worldwide, Cynthia Marshall, CEO, Dallas Mavericks, Keion Henderson, author, entrepreneur and senior pastor of The LightHouse Church, John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO, Operation Hope, Dale Bronner, co-owner, Bronner Brothers Manufacturing Co., Beth Myers, CEO, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, and Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist among others.

BY JASMINE BROWLEY

T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures and New Urban Development announced a partnership on Dec. 12 to build two affordable housing developments in South Florida, according to a joint statement about the venture.

One of the developments, located in Hallandale Beach, about 20 miles north of Miami, is expected to break ground in the first quarter of 2024. The multifamily, mixed-income development features 200 units on five acres at the center of a historic Black community with limited affordable housing options.

The second property will be a senior living development in Miami Gardens. It will have 150 units on seven acres, featuring a clubhouse and walking trails.

“Florida continues to grow and the need for more living options is at an all-time high,” said Marcus Dawson, managing partner of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures.

The Dallas-based real estate company implements non-denominational pastor and founder of The Potter’s House Bishop T.D. Jakes’ vision of creating attainable and sustainable communities. Its recently launched comprehensive community development platform focuses on economic development, job training and education.

“It is our mission to create the necessary alliances that help address the most glaring issues like affordable housing,” Dawson continued. “New Urban Development shares our vision for community transformation for seniors and underserved populations, and their accomplishments in South Florida model what development should look like in our communities.”

New Urban Development, founded in 2005, is the real estate development affiliate of the Urban League of Greater Miami. According to the press release, New Urban Development is Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer, focusing on revitalizing South Florida neighborhoods.

“The relationships and access to funding sources through T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will help us expand the work we’ve been doing to improve the housing options in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas,” said Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development.

“We all believe in a holistic approach to community revitalization that values transformation over transactions and incorporates education programs, financial literacy and other resources to residents.”

In April, Jakes announced a 10-year partnership between the T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo on CBS Mornings. The bank has committed up to $1 billion to fund various community development projects.

“The future looks very bleak, particularly for minorities,” Jakes said. “Black people, Brown people and also poor White people who are finding it difficult, workforce people, to find a job, to find opportunities to get housing, to get upward mobility.”

Jakes’ inaugural project with Wells Fargo is a mixed-income housing development with retail facilities on 95 acres outside Atlanta on former U.S. Army base Fort McPherson.

Bishop T.D. Jakes is continuing to take action in real estate. As previously reported by AFROTECH, the senior pastor of The Potter’s House is behind T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, which works to create affordable housing across the U.S.

On Dec. 12, the Dallas, TX-based company announced that it has partnered with New Urban Development, “Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer,” according to a press release. As a way to tackle the housing crisis in South Florida, T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures and New Urban Development are set to build two affordable housing developments, one in Hallandale Beach, FL, and one in Miami Gardens, FL.

“Florida continues to grow and the need for more living options is at an all-time high,” Marcus Dawson, managing partner of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, shared in a press statement. “It is our mission to create the necessary alliances that help address the most glaring issues like affordable housing. New Urban Development shares our vision for community transformation for seniors and underserved populations, and their accomplishments in South Florida model what development should look like in our communities.”

The press release shares that in Hallandale Beach, the construction will be for a multifamily, mixed-income development consisting of 200 units, while the Miami Gardens project will be for senior citizens and have 150 units.

“The relationships and access to funding sources through T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will help us expand the work we’ve been doing to improve the housing options in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas,” Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development, said. “We all believe in a holistic approach to community revitalization that values transformation over transactions and incorporates education programs, financial literacy and other resources to residents.”

So far, the Hallandale development is set to start in the beginning of 2024.

DALLAS—December 12, 2023 – T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, LLC (TDJREV), a real estate company leading the creation of healthy and sustainable communities in a global marketplace, today announced a partnership with New Urban Development, Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer, to build two affordable housing developments in Hallandale Beach, Fla., and Miami Gardens, Fla. The strategic partnership signifies a concerted effort to provide affordable housing for in-need areas of South Florida while also helping to revitalize and stabilize the communities. This project is the continuation of Chairman T.D. Jakes’ push to create affordable, accessible housing nationwide for those who need it most.

“Florida continues to grow and the need for more living options is at an all-time high,” said Marcus Dawson, managing partner of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures. “It is our mission to create the necessary alliances that help address the most glaring issues like affordable housing. New Urban Development shares our vision for community transformation for seniors and underserved populations, and their accomplishments in South Florida model what development should look like in our communities.”

As Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer and real estate development affiliate of The Urban League of Greater Miami, New Urban Development has been revitalizing neighborhoods in South Florida for nearly two decades. The company has facilitated the development of more than 13 housing projects including multi-family and senior living units.

“The relationships and access to funding sources through T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will help us expand the work we’ve been doing to improve the housing options in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas,” said Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development. “We all believe in a holistic approach to community revitalization that values transformation over transactions and incorporates education programs, financial literacy and other resources to residents.”

The multifamily, mixed-income development located in Hallandale Beach will feature 200 units on five acres, located at the center of an historic African American community with limited affordable housing options. The development is expected to break ground in Q1 2024.

The senior living development in Miami Gardens will consist of 150 units on seven acres. Located adjacent to Miami Gardens Senior Family Center, this will be the first housing complex developed for seniors in Miami Gardens and will feature a clubhouse and walking trails. The City of Miami Gardens awarded the land to New Urban Development to complement the existing senior recreation center while Miami-Dade County awarded funding for the housing development.

“It is my absolute honor to welcome the partnership between T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures and New Urban Development to Miami-Dade County,” said Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. “Their joint venture in Miami Gardens exemplifies a purposeful commitment to not only create housing options but to create an environment tailored to the unique needs of our senior residents, embodying a vision of dignity, comfort, and community.”

TDJREV established a development in Dallas called Capella Park, which is a master planned community spearheaded in 2007. TDJREV is also slated to break ground on Ft. MacPherson, a former U.S. Army base in Atlanta, which will be transformed into mixed-income housing, businesses, and a master planned community. Similar developments are planned for Chicago, Houston and other areas across the country.

Nationwide affordable housing is a top concern for all Americans, but particularly, African Americans and those living on the margins of society. Recent reports show the Black homeownership rate was 45% in 2022, 30% lower than White households, making the gap wider than it was 50 years ago. In addition to soaring interest rates and home prices plaguing all homebuyers, other obstacles to Black homeownership still include discriminatory public and private housing policies that hinder Blacks from being approved for loans, the devastating impact of student loan debt, which disproportionately impacts Black women, and the wage gap where Black employees are still paid substantially less for equal work.

About T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures
TDJREV is a Dallas-based real estate company dedicated to implementing T.D. Jakes’ vision of creating attainable and sustainable communities in a global marketplace and developing 21st Century solutions to address rudimentary needs in targeted communities with a focus on economic development, job training, financial literacy and education enrichment. Its real estate portfolio includes Capella Park, a 400-plus acre community in south Dallas that includes single-family homes, live-work space and a pre k-8 school.

About New Urban Development
Founded in 2005 as the housing development affiliate of the Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc., New Urban Development’s primary responsibility is the financing, acquisition, development, construction oversight and asset management of the myriad of commercial and residential housing developments owned and/or managed by the Urban League of Greater Miami and its subsidiary entities. New Urban Development transforms dwellings into homes, homes into neighborhoods, and neighborhoods into opportunities.

Recently, the T.D. Jakes Foundation opened the door of opportunity to over 1,500 job seekers by providing them with career advancing opportunities, resources, and knowledge. On October 7, the T.D. Jakes Foundation continued enriching under-served communities through education and workforce development at their You’re Hired Fall 2023 hiring mixer and with a special Disruptive Conversations panel.

In an effort to close the employment gap, global leader, T.D. Jakes and Paul Quinn College President, Dr. Michael Sorrell led a unique discussion alongside Workforce Dallas Development Czar, Lynn McBee. The discussion addressed real world solutions to confidently navigate the obstacles faced with the rise of AI, acquiring tech skills, and underrepresentation in the tech industry.

As the landscape of technology and artificial intelligence (A.I.) rapidly evolves, it has the potential to usher in both uncharted possibilities and professions that can propel our society for- ward. But, the emergence of novel tech and A.I. presents a double-edged sword: not all groups will be seamlessly integrated into this transformative wave. Without targeted support and equitable access to workplace training and development, under- served communities risk being left behind and miss- ing out on the jobs that will drive the future economy. The panel illuminated the ways all socio-economic demographics can succeed and help the audience adapt their skills to flourish in the face of rapid workforce change.

As part of their Fall Hiring Mixer, 40 companies including but not limited to H.D. Supply, State Farm, FC Dallas, Bank of America, Amazon and many more were present. Many companies conducted on-the-spot hiring and provided job seekers with life-changing employment opportunities like headshots, laptop give-a-ways, interview prep and more.

The T.D. Jakes Foundation’s work in the community will continue through intervention services, job training, educational and aftercare programs. This event is one of many opportunities the foundation strives to elevate and integrate services, including job skills, training, and support to transform lives so those in need can navigate a maze of programs and bureaucracies.
To learn more about what the T.D. Jakes Foundation is doing visit: https://tdjfoundation.org/

WHO: Panelists: T.D. Jakes Foundation Chairman T.D. Jakes, Dallas Mayor Eric
Johnsonand Paul Quinn College President Dr. Michael Sorrell will explore
significant topics affecting today’s workers.

Moderator: WFAA Reporter, Rebecca Lopez

WHAT: Disruptive Conversation Panel: Based on the New York Times best-selling
book ‘Disruptive Thinking: A Strategy to Change How We Live, Lead and Love’
,this exclusive conversation will discuss the future of the workforce and
disruptive topics like AI and how to navigate an ever-changing work landscape
successfully. The panel will illuminate the ways all socio economic
demographics can succeed and help the audience adapt their skills to flourish
in the face of rapid workforce change.

Open to the public; $50 admission. Disruptive Conversation registration here.

Hiring Mixer: In collaboration with Workforce Dallas, The Dallas Mavericks,
and Truist Bank the highly-anticipated annual event aims to add to the 26,000+
jobs added to the Texas economy in recent weeks. Including more than 40
companies like HD Supply, State Farm, FC Dallas and more conducting on-the-
spot hiring and providing job seekers with life-changing employment
opportunities.

  • Includes resources for those who need assistance with transportation,
    childcare, health care and financial literacy.
  • Hiring mixer made possible by Workforce Dallas, The Dallas Mavericks, Truist Bank, and support from State Farm

WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Disruptive Conversation Panel: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Hiring Mixer: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE: The P.L.A.C.E at The Potter’s House of Dallas
6777 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75236

WHY: As the landscape of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolves, it
has the potential to usher in both uncharted possibilities––and professions––
that can propel our society forward. But the emergence of novel tech and AI
presents a double-edged sword: not all groups will be seamlessly integrated
into this transformative wave. Without targeted support and equitable access
to workplace training and development, underserved communities’ risk being
left behind and missing out on the jobs that will drive the future economy. T.D.
Jakes Foundation provides a helping hand, guiding those in need through
intervention services, job training, educational and aftercare programs. The
foundation aims to elevate and integrates services, including job skills, training
and support to transform lives and enrich communities so those in need aren’t
left to their own devices to navigate a maze of programs and bureaucracies.

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

  • Speakers on stage and posed
  • On site event photos with jobseekers
  • B-Roll available upon request
  • Interviews available with:
    • Kelley Cornish, President & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation
    • Others available upon request

ABOUT T.D. JAKES FOUNDATION

T.D. Jakes Foundation is building bridges by unlocking the power of global competition
through workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today’s economy through
STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion, and a laser focus to close the racial
wealth gap and support minority women in corporate leadership. For more than 40 years,
T.D. Jakes has connected diverse communities across socio-economic divides. The
Foundation harnesses decades of resources and connections to prepare people for success
in the 21st-century workforce, lift underserved populations and connect corporations to new,
highly skilled pools of talent amid increasing global competition. For additional information
visit: https://tdjfoundation.org/

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