Power Moves: Pastor Delvick McKay breaks ground for new community center in Alabama’s Wiregrass
Pastor Delvick McKay is spearheading the construction of a new family life center that will also serve the Headland community. (Nik Layman / Alabama NewsCenter)
As a lifetime resident of Headland, Pastor Delvick McKay has dedicated his livelihood to helping those in his community by setting them up for success and giving everyone opportunities to thrive.
As a local, McKay understands what it’s like to grow up in Headland and the desire to succeed. He graduated with honors from Headland High School, then later attended Tuskegee University and Amberton University. His experience at school and his faith ultimately led him to ministry, where his desire to help others intensified.
Power Moves: Delvick McKay, pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Now serving as pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (GSMBC), McKay has used his position as a leader to build connections with his community. Those connections and his desire to further help his community thrive led him to begin constructing a Community Family Life Center right next to his church building as part of his congregation’s community development corporation.
The GSMBC Community Family Life Center will serve as a community resource and services center that provides educational development for disadvantaged students from socioeconomically challenged backgrounds. It will also provide GED/Adult Education resources for the entire community as well as rural workforce development for those transitioning into the workforce, along with personal care services.
“Our goal is to improve the quality of life for all Henry County residents, regardless of background or where they come from,” said McKay.
Though the physical building is still being constructed, McKay’s vision and leadership for the center are already being developed. The center has established a partnership with Wallace Community College to facilitate the GED/Adult Education program to help Headland residents who wish to complete their high school education.
“The relationship with Wallace College will provide a gateway of possibilities for those in Headland and help bridge the gap between individuals and opportunities that exist within multiple industries and education,” said McKay.
The center will have a designated computer lab and meeting space where other collaborating entities like the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeast Works can conduct workforce development seminars and job fairs for Henry County residents.
The center will also be a hub of learning and tutoring for school-aged children. It is expected to house an SRA Reading Laboratory® and on-site teachers and tutors. The K-12 Summer Enrichment Program would also consist of field trips to local businesses like Commercial Jet, Dothan Regional Airport, Farley Nuclear Plant, Landmark Park, Michelin, Wiregrass Public Safety Center, and several others.
Beyond education, McKay and GSMC have plans to provide other vital needs to the community, like wellness clinics and nutritional programs. He also plans on giving locals access to personal care like a barbershop and beauty salon as well as provide entrepreneurial opportunities for aspiring beauticians and barbers.
Looking at the overall goal for the center, McKay is optimistic and is excited to see what this community center will do for Headland residents.
“Imagine having a place within our community that has all of these positive elements in one central location–where there are structured educational programs and recreation activities for children; adults can apply for employment opportunities and enroll in the GED program or workforce development seminars; where barbers and beauticians have a workspace creating revenue and providing an essential service to the public. The GSMBC Community Family Life Center accomplishes all of those things.”
