X-Cell Community Services Inc.
Incorporated in 1996
X-Cell
Community Services, Inc., began as an idea in the mind of Dorcas Chandler,
Chief Executive Officer. She met a man one-day at a temporary agency who
was applying for a janitorial position. All he wanted to do was find a job,
any job, so that he could support his family. However, in this computer
age, the temporary agencies do all of their testing on computers. This man
was lost. He had no computer skills. Dorcas, who has always had a desire
to help people, was moved deeply by this man - a stranger to her. She could
feel his frustration, caused by his lack of computer knowledge. It made her
think about the many people in today’s society who lack the basic computer
knowledge that could get them that much-needed job. People who did not go
to college; people who were misplaced in the work force due to downsizing;
people who came from the old school when computers were still a thing of the
future; and yes, elderly people who are now forced to go out and find work
because Social Security is not enough to live on.
Here
began her dream of starting a computer-training program in 1996, for people
in the community who didn’t have the necessary computer knowledge to get
them in a better position to excel. She also wanted to give seminars on
topics of interest such as mentoring youth; dealing with children with
behavior problems; single parenting; gang prevention; etc. In August of
1996, Dorcas shared her ideas with her parents, Pastor Garland & Alma
Chandler. They thought the idea of a Computer School was excellent, and
advised her to start building on this dream. Bishop Chandler was the pastor
of Truelight Gospel Ministries, until his death in 2003 from cancer, and
allowed Dorcas to operate out of the church office. Dorcas moved her
computer equipment out of her bedroom, and set it up in the office of
Truelight Gospel Ministries. There she started putting her ideas on paper.
At
this early stage, Dorcas was not quite sure how to proceed in starting up a
computer center, however, God placed people in her path and began showing
her how to become a corporation. X-Cell Community Services, Inc., became
incorporated September 24, 1996.
In
November, Dorcas shared her vision with Marti McKeon. Marti
was very inspired by what Dorcas was trying to accomplish, and felt
compelled to assist her in making this dream a reality.
Dorcas
wanted to make sure that a solid foundation was laid for X-Cell, however,
later found out that she had to redo some of her corporate filings. It was
truly trial and error, however, she continued, until she got it right.
In
January 1997, Dorcas began selecting her Board of Directors and Advisors.
By February, the Board and Advisors were in place. We had our first Board
Meeting on March 22, 1997 at the Red Roof Inn in San Dimas, California. At
that time, many ideas and goals were discussed regarding X-Cell. During
this meeting, the Board decided that we would bring it all together by not
only offering computer training, but with that training we would provide job
development skills and confidence building. We then adopted the theme
“Bringing it all together”. It was then that Dorcas realized
that her dream and passion for the community was shared by her Board and
Advisors, and making X-Cell Community Services a reality rested on the
shoulders of all who were gathered at that first Board Meeting.
On
April 18, 1997, X-Cell received its 501©3, which allows us to operate as a
public support organization. As a result, many opportunities lie ahead for
X-Cell. We had our first fund-raiser, a Bake Sale, on May 17, 1997 in front
of Food 4 Less on the corner of Holt and Indian Hill in Pomona, to open our
first bank account. During the month of April and May Dorcas wrote the
computer training manuals (Excel, Word, Basic Computer, and a Typing
manual). Included in these manuals are job development skills,
self-development skills and resources.
In
1997 Dorcas was introduced to a teacher, who would share with the
organization ideas of teaching youth to develop basic study skills. We then
launched a pilot program called Operation L.E.A.P.(Literacy Enrichment and
Achievement Program) to see if we could make a difference in the lives of
youth. As the program was a great success we continued the program.
Our
Literacy program is geared to helping children in the surrounding areas
‘Understand the Basics’. We teach basic reading, writing, provide
mentoring programs, math and computer skills to youth of all ages.
It’s
not just about computers anymore. It’s about making a positive difference
in adults and youth lives in any way that we can. It’s about giving people
the resources to make a positive difference in their own lives. It’s about
people getting on their feet and standing up tall. It's about helping
people “Excel Expectations”.
With
all of our desire, we here at X-Cell Community Services, Inc., want
to help meet the needs of the people of our community.
