In 1984 Bishop Foster met a man named Bishop Blue, who wanted to start a Food Program. The Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church came together with twenty other churches across Delmarva. They named the program DCUSA (Delmarva Clergy United in Social Action). Bishop Blue was President and Bishop Foster was the Vice President. In 1986 Bishop Foster was appointed President and DCUSA received its 501@3 status and DCUSA was placed in the educational department in the back of the church. In 1992 DCUSA established two programs under its umbrella the GED program and Computer World. In 1999, due to the rapid growth of the programs, DCUSA decided they needed more space to accommodate the needs in the community.

In November 2000 Bishop Foster and the brothers started building the DCUSA Educational Building. The newly established Community Access Training and Outreach Center is worth $500,000 and is paid in full. The two story, 50’x50’ square foot facility was approved on August 11, 2003. It now houses a list of training programs such as Computer Technology, Teen Crisis, GED and English as a Second Language. Other Emergency Outreach Programs that are available to the area include transitional housing, emergency transportation, affordable housing, a clothing closet, and drug rehabilitation. The cooperation shown by all participants involved in establishing this center is an important example of a community-based organization, the private sector and state agencies can work together to empower people in the community to become self sufficient.

Our old facility that we started out of in 1991 is now the Daycare for the community and surrounding communities. Our daycare can service a total of 75 children. Our mission is to enrich the quality of family life by providing peace of mind to parents and by enhancing the life experiences of the children of our care. We believe that each child is a unique individual. We believe in providing a physical environment that is safe, clean, healthy, and oriented to children. We believe that the strength of our program is in the dedication of our teaching staff. We believe in positive methods of discipline and that parents are the most significant adults in a child’s life. Finally, with the support of DCUSA’s staff, we will continue to progress with the current programs and upcoming programs that will help build up our communities.

 

Interview with Bishop Major Foster & Harold Truxson

This interview between Bishop Foster and Harold Truxson was to discuss the crusade they have been on for Ellendale, DE. The two gentlemen have been friends and pioneers for over 30 years. They have worked hard to see this community improve from impoverish condition. The two men intend to leave the legacy of Ellendale are still on fire for change.

How long have you lived or worked in Ellendale?

Foster:  In 1968 I was running a Revival in New York when the Lord told me to go home. My Bishop brought me here [Ellendale] and asked me, “What could you do with this community?” I have been here working every since.

Truxson: I came here in 1955. Not only have I lived here, but I own a successful business here in Ellendale.

 

What was the condition of the community before you became involved?

Foster:  When I first got here, I wanted to leave because I was so frustrated with the conditions. People were sleeping in cars and buses. A lot of the homes were in bad condition and had no plumbing or running water, there was poverty, drugs and prejudice. There were only 3 stores on the main road, a hardware store, gas station and grocery store.

Truxson: For a while Milford High School was used as a Soup Kitchen to feed those in need. We notified Public Health of the living conditions and they tested the water of 172 homes. They found high levels of iron, carbon and other contaminants. The water was causing sickness and even cancer in the community. At the time, Ellendale had the most cancer cases in the state.

 

How long were the people in Ellendale without a proper sewer system?

Foster:  Ellendale was founded in the early 1800s and incorporated in 1905 but the poverty community was not included. In 1960 the problems in the water were discovered.

Truxson: It took us 15 years and 43 meetings to finally cause change. We made friends with numerous governors. Governor Mike Castle came to the first house that was equipped with new plumbing. WBOC covered all out town meetings. The town eventually received 2.5 million dollars to replace the plumbing in the homes. Everyone in the community was very excited.

 

What caused or motivated you to step up in this low-poverty area, when you could have moved on?

Foster:  It was God. He wouldn’t let me quit. I know He kept pushing us. God put it in our heart.

Truxson: It was prayer at 2 am. I depended on God for wisdom and knowledge.

 

When did you start affecting the community?

Foster:  We called in the State Agencies and State Governors. Then we came together with others that wanted to see a change in the surrounding communities and started a group called the Strong Community Initiative.

Truxson: My first project was with the Milford School District’s Board of Education. The children that lived on Old State Road had no bus transportation to school. I was bothered by seeing them walk the snowy roads to school. I fought with the Board of Education and had the Community sign a petition. Finally, they gave in and the children were provided transportation to school.

 

Why do you care so much about this community?

Foster:  It was about the people in need, more than the community [or area] itself. I just wanted to help people. We have gone on to the help those beyond Ellendale to Coverdale, Dover, Lincoln, Rehoboth, Milton, Slaughter Neck, Seaford, Laurel, Georgetown and where ever there is a need.

 

Since becoming involved, what changes have you seen?

Foster:  Once the sewer came in, drugs and robbery decreased. The community is now more diverse. At first no one wanted to live in this area but now the community has become safer.

Truxson: The people are coming together more and work together.

 

Has this had any effect on you personally?

Foster:  I feel like this is something I must do. I am humbled and feel like I didn’t really do that much. I don’t need praise. I give God all the credit.

Truxson: It gives me a good feeling to see others happy. Especially when folks shake your hand and say “Thank you.” Even if they didn’t, I’m happy to be helping. I know it was God.

 

What has been your hardest challenge in this area?

Truxson: Trying to get this sewer in, which, showed the numerous problems in the community? Aside from the problems the sewer had caused, there was also an issue with equality. Therefore, we also fought to overcome the prejudices in the area.

 

As a major initiative to continue this endeavor, Delmarva Clergy United in Social Action Foundation (DCUSA), was created. It continues to foster many programs focused on improving the Ellendale community and many surrounding communities.

Bishop Foster and Harold Truxson still continue to fight to make Ellendale an upstanding community.