Contact:

Marcie Colpas Pager

(602) 262-6164 (602) 201-7350

Jan. 24, 2000

More than 30 years ago, Travis L. Williams, then the director of the city of Phoenix's LEAP program (Leadership and Education for the Advancement of Phoenix), guided the opening of the former South Mountain Family Services Center, located at 4732 S. Central Ave.

On Jan. 19, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved renaming the center the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center for Williams' outstanding leadership and commitment to improving the South Mountain community for more than 50 years.

He began his 24-year career with the city in 1965, spending 20 of those years as director of the Human Services Department. Under Williams' leadership, the first senior center was opened, the Food Stamp Program was initiated, the Youth Services Section was created and general services were expanded citywide rather than targeted to specific areas.

Williams also has been a mentor and advocate through his affiliations with the NAACP, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Rotary Club 100 of Phoenix, ASU Teacher Corps Steering Committee and the South Phoenix Citizens Planning Committee.

The name change was recommended by the Phoenix Human Services Commission and approved by the Phoenix Heritage Commission that was established in September 1999 to develop guidelines and review proposals for the naming or renaming of city facilities.

Go to Family Service Center Page

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