DSS Community Club
A Community Center without walls
ABOUT US
Testimonials
Junior
He likes all the programs that DSS offers but likes the tutoring and science ones the best. Juan likes DSS the most because he says he likes being able to learn more things in addition to what he learns at school. Juan's favorite memory of DSS was his first time coming to the program and being able to have fun. He also enjoys being able to meet new people from different grades and interacting with them. Juan wants to let the public know that he really enjoys the programs and wants to see them continue so he would encourage others to donate.
Lenzy
We have learned many new things attending DSS and most definitely had fun! DSS isn't just a program, it's like a second family and that's the amazing thing about it. I can be myself and nobody will judge me. DSS not only helped me become a good student by teaching me new and amazing things, but also helped me to become a better person.
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~Lenzy Xelhua-Ledezma - DSS Club Member
Marjorie
The DSS Community Center is extremely important to me because we all have fun and learn together as a family, we do not exclude anyone. One thing I really like about the DSS Community Center is how diverse it is. The majority of us are minority and personally, I think it's a great thing. DSS is beneficial to my life because we do not only have fun, but we also learn by including educational activities during the day. For example, Mrs. Felicia started a science club with students from UW-Madison and we learned about chemical reactions and codes people use in games and other things. Since this program started, I have absolutely loved it. We all thank you dearly for the great things you have done for us, we are eternally grateful.
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~Marjorie Cosmo - DSS Club Member
Donovan
Donovan attends Sherman Middle School. He has many good memories with DSS and being able to go to the programs after school. Donovan says one of his favorite memories with DSS was going on a feild trip to Goodman to swim. This activity as well as summer programing was cut due to lack of funding. Donovan said his favorite program DSS has to offer during the school year is the science program because it is fun and you learn new things. He did not fail to mention that you also get to see reactions and some things "blow up". Donovan thinks that DSS has helped him most by improving his grade and his education.
Director's Bio
As the Founder and Director of DSS Community Center, Felicia Davis is an outstanding leader, role model, and an immovable force in the community. Through her community center, Mrs. Davis has created partnerships, built social capital and provided youth programs directly in the under-served Brentwood Community. Her goal has been to bring more African American women leaders to the forefront, provide jobs for single headed households, and decrease the incarceration rate for African American youth.
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Since 2012, Mrs. Davis has used her community center to create a platform for African American and minority residents in order to unite their voices and fight for social justice and equality in their community. She educates residents about the processes that govern their community to insure they are able to fully participate in the processes that effects their lives.
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Through DSS, Mrs. Davis has provided after school programs that focus on the academic success of middle and high school students; A community garden program that helps increase food access for African American and minority families as well as provide youth employment opportunities. By providing these services Mrs. Davis addresses the racial achievement gap and the racial disparities in the Madison area.
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In 2014, Mrs. Davis was recognized by the Mayor for her efforts to impact change in the community and in 2015, Mrs. Davis was a Brava Woman to Watch. In 2016, she received the Rising Star Award by the Urban League of Greater Madison. In 2017, She received the Jefferson Award. She has maintained after school programs for Brentwood youth as well as served over 100 unduplicated youth to date. Mrs. Davis continues to fight for social justice and equality for African American and low income families. Allowing nothing to deter her from helping the people she is dedicated to serve.
