Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Sims II.
Wayne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion for equity and justice was inspired by my father, Wayne Sims Sr, who worked for the Department of Juvenile Justice in Atlanta, Georgia. He would often lecture me on what he characterized as the “traps” of the justice system. I would go on to complete my undergraduate studies at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. Believing that my calling was business, I went on to obtain my M.B.A. from the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas.
After graduate school, I worked with Sherwin Williams for three years. Desiring to address the traps my father once lectured me on, I left Sherwin Williams and joined Teach for America in 2015. I served as a Math Teacher at KIPP TRUTH Academy, a Title 1 school in Oak Cliff. During my time at KIPP, I had the opportunity to write curriculum and lead a grade level. In the summer of 2018, I met Dr. Kristi Lichtenberg, CCA’s Executive Director, at a fundraising event for an organization called Redeemed Women. We spoke extensively about our shared passion for education, justice, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After a series of interviews, I was offered the Principal position at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. I have had the pleasure of serving in this capacity for two years now.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We serve students who are dealing with a lot of setbacks, including learning anxieties, homelessness, drug addiction, and legal issues, just to name a few. As with anyone who works with this demographic, I’ve had to see some of my favorite students incarcerated, backslide, or just give up. The emotional toll is a struggle.
We are also a small organization trying to tackle a systemic issue. Often times, I feel overwhelmed with the scope of how much our students need and how much we are resourced to provide. There is always a challenge to gain more resources and improve/expand services. While this doesn’t make for smooth sailing, it’s a healthy struggle that forces us to try and be better each year. I am encouraged, however, in knowing that education and the Gospel are tools that students can use to change their circumstances.
Please tell us about Cornerstone Crossroads Academy.
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy exists to expose at-risk high school students to the hope and abundant life found in Christ, equipping students to know God and serve Him forever. It is our desire that CCA graduates become independently functioning and productive members of the community who influence their families, neighborhoods, and communities for Christ. The mission of Cornerstone Crossroads Academy is to develop urban youth through transformative education, equipping future leaders to impact their communities for Christ.
I am most proud of how we love our students unconditionally. All the students, irrespective of whether they complete the program, know that we care about them and believe in them. Our Christian philosophy, case management, and wrap-around services are huge contributors to this achievement. This relationship is evidenced by the number of students that re-enroll after trying other programs. Another indicator is the messages we receive from formerly withdrawn students thanking us for the time and attention we invested in them.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people that God has used who deserve credit for my journey and the journey of CCA. My parents deserve so much credit for raising my brother and me to be aware of injustice and to fight against it. I appreciate Teach for America for giving me the opportunity to teach and to serve in communities that I care about. I appreciate my mentors and teammates at KIPP TRUTH Academy for showing me what it means to be devoted to the craft of teaching. I am grateful for Jim and Jane Beckett having the vision to start CCA. And lastly, I appreciate my team here at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. My colleagues, both past and present, are driven by passion and conviction. They are the reason CCA has been able to have the impact it has had.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2815 S. Ervay Street, Dallas TX 75215
- Website: http://www.cornerstonecrossroads.org
- Phone: 214-426-3282
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cca2ndchance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/10218247300759433
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