The Carpenter’s Shop Center's Mission statement:
The Carpenter’s Shop Center is a faith based organization that improves the health of families by connecting them to resources, providing programs and services that empower and educate families so they can lead responsible, productive lives.

 

Cheryl Doro Wilder, President and Founder of The Carpenter's Shop Center, was born and raised in Arlington.  Mrs. Wilder holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood from Jacksonville University.  She has been active in the Arlington community all her life and is presently in her 2nd year serving as chairman of the oversight committee for full service schools of Arlington.  Ms. Wilder has a love for this area of the city and is committed to improving the quality of life for families in this community.

 

Clint Wilder, (aka PC) Pastor of Arlington Family Church and Operations Director for the center, is also very involved in the day-to-day operations of The Carpenter’s Shop Center. He has worked with students of all ages for over 27 years. His dedication to helping children excel in school has formed a deep connection with his students. Tutoring children in math and science has helped him realize that providing this type of education will allow each child to reach their goals in the community and in life.

 

Leslie Garcia is the Founder and Director of Arlington Christian Academy, a 5 star child care facility in Jacksonville. She has been an advocate for early childhood education since the opening of the childcare facility in March of 2001. Leslie previously directed a bilingual preschool in Venezuela, South America from September 1985 until relocating back home to Jacksonville. Leslie has an Associates in Early Childhood (CDA) and is in a continuing education program for chilldhood advocacy and quality improvement in early childcare. She is a member of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and stays actively involved with the Duval Early Learning Directors Network.

 

Erica Manses is the Educational Coordinator and After School Director for the Carpenter’s Shop Center.  She has been with the afterschool program from its inception and currently acts as its Director. Her bachelor’s degree in Music Education (Duquesne University/ Pittsburgh Pennsylvania), as well as extensive training in Early Childhood Education, give her an eclectic mix of practical and creative approaches to learning. Erica’s heart is to assist the families of Arlington in reaching their God given potential. She is presently working on her Master’s Degree in Christian Education at Brewer Christian College.

 

Over the last twelve years The Carpenter’s Shop Center has been transforming the lives of families in our community. We are committed to this area because it is our home, plain and simple.

It has been said "the only way for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing.  There is a place here for you to partner with us and plant the seeds of change, not just for a neighborhood, but for a generation. You can stand with us to be “A Bright Light For Kids” in this Arlington Community.