Following the success of the Wesley Foundation’s acquisition of TJC’s West Hall as the college’s first faith-based residence hall in 2013, the foundation has added a second TJC property.
“We took our TJC ministry a step further with the residence hall opening in 2013,” said the Rev. Dr. Sunny Farley, director of Wesley Foundation. “It’s been a great fit and a great success, and that success has prompted the expansion to include the second hall.
In a lease agreement signed recently with TJC, the foundation took possession of TJC’s Lewis Hall, located adjacent to the former West Hall on Lake Street, on the college’s main campus.
The former West and Lewis halls will be collectively known as Wesley House; and the new addition will more than double the hall’s previous capacity, up from 40 beds to 83.
The organization will continue to provide its usual free Tuesday lunch, service projects for the community and worship services.
Admission for the new hall will begin in the fall 2016 semester.
The Wesley Foundation, a branch of the United Methodist Church that focuses on ministry to TJC students, has had a presence on the TJC campus since the 1950s.
Farley said, “Our goal is to equip, empower and encourage college students to fulfill their callings in life – whatever they may be. We look forward to partnering with TJC in every way we can, to enhance the educational experience for everyone on campus.”
TJC student Trayshanna Phillips believes Wesley House is achieving its mission.
“Without Wesley House, I honesty do not know were I would be,” Phillips said. “I have grown so much as a person and a follower of God by living at Wesley House. I can truly say it has changed me as a person and it is a wonderful place to live."
For more information, go to www.tylerwesleyhouse.com.
Author: Elise Mullinix