Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. (Romans 12:9 NLT)
HEARTS OF GOLD
DALLAS — Dr. Keisha Williams Lankford absolutely loves working alongside her husband, Dr. Oliver Lankford.
The feeling undoubtedly is mutual.
“It’s special working with my hubby, because we have the unique blessing of setting the example for most of our clients of a proper, healthy relationship,” Dr. Keisha told Making Headline News this week. “We find ourselves being liken to parents to many of them, because most of our clients lack the supervision, support, and guidance as children.”
Given the immeasurable strides the Lankfords have made — and the countless of lives they’ve impacted — for the past decade or so as the masterminds behind Lankford Avenue Counseling Agency, LLC, and it’s no wonder their company has emerged as a massive relationship enhancing game-changer, of sorts, since its ceremonious inception.
Established officially in 2009, Lankford Avenue Counseling Agency, LLC has become a fixture for promoting and creating healthy, lasting relationships, particularly through various informative classes, seminars, and support groups, according to a detailed synopsis of the Lankfords’ agency at https://www.lankfordavenue.org/.
MORE ON LANKFORD AVENUE: https://www.lankfordavenue.org/
Generally, Lankford Avenue is widely known for its informative domestic violence classes and sessions throughout Dallas’ massive, historic Metroplex, and clients customarily have at their disposal experienced counselors to provide them with a warm, inviting atmosphere and, most importantly attentive ear, according to a spokesperson the agency.
Located at 3010 Morgan Drive in Dallas, Lankford Avenue has two other locations: 8035 East R. L. Thornton Freeway, Suite No. 109, in Dallas and 1400 West Irving Blvd., Suite 403, in nearby Irving.
Widely regarded as a domestic violence counseling agency, Lankford Avenue offers an array of notable services, most notably what is known as BIPP (or Batters Intervention and Prevention Program), anger management, behavioral changes, life skills, parenting, literacy, dynamic marriage, marriage counseling, job readiness, dance classes, and attorney referrals, and marriage and family therapists, among others.
A retired educator and college professor who currently serves as a School Board Trustee in Cedar Hill Independent School District, Dr. Keisha Lankford and her husband are co-founders of The Avenue Proactive Resource Center, Inc., the sister company for Lankford Avenue, their Dallas/Fort Worth-area nonprofit organization whose strategic mission is centered largely on helping youth and families to help themselves, according to an introduction of this venture on its Facebook business page.
“My husband and I are in the business of building emotional health, healthy lifestyles, healthy relationships, families and communities,” said Dr. Keisha, 49, whose professional resume includes serving as a Crime and Violence Prevention Education Specialist, Motivational Speaker, and credible Consultant for providing the most efficient and effective services possible for our clients throughout the community.
MORE ON THE LANKFORDS’ VENTURE: https://www.enddomesticviolenceindallas.com/
Also a native of Dallas, Dr. Oliver Lankford is a United States Marine veteran who works primarily as a Certified Family Violence Facilitator for Lankford Avenue Inc.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and Trinity Valley Baptist College and Seminary, Dr. Oliver’s community-based contributions include (but aren’t limited to) hosting:
- Taking Domestic Violence To the Hoop Basketball Tournaments
- Stomp Teen Violence Anti-bullying events
- Domestic violence awareness cell phone drives
- Domestic Violence Poster Contests, during which he customarily inviting youth to openly dialogue and use expression on the subject on family violence and,
- Speaking to churches, schools, and communities about healthy relationships and stopping the hurt in the home.
“Because we should never want to hurt the one’s that we love,” Dr. Oliver emphasized.
Said Dr. Keisha, alluding to the sustained success of Lankford Avenue Counseling Agency, LLC and The Avenue Proactive Resource Center, Inc.: “We know that happier homes healthier relationships produce better children and communities. We know after rebuilding people in our domestic violence prevention, drug treatment, anger management classes.”
Given the fervent rise of their agency, the Lankfords announced they are open to accepting more public speaking engagements during which they would bring awareness of families establishing healthier homes and communities.
“We are very fortunate to redirect behavior so that others can become better parents, partners, and productive citizens,” said Dr. Keisha, who was inspired by her parents, brothers, and a host of mentors to move forward with her dream of starting her own agency.
Other community-related entities offered by Lankford Avenue are:
- The Lankford Cruise Club, which has become a fixture for providing what the Lankfords describe as safe, peaceful, and exhilarating cruises on Joe Pool Lake on Sundays for individuals, couples, and groups.
- Assist people with cognitive and behavioral challenges Monday through Saturday.
- A free community event during which the Lankfords invite area school superintendents, legislators, judges, entrepreneurs, and political figures to collectively share wisdom with young people, particularly those that have made legal mistakes and,
- Stand On Our Shoulders: Adulting 101, a series for young aspirants in Dallas County whereby the Lankfords provide foundational information for success in every facet of life.
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This program also offers a leadership program for preteens and teens ranging in ages 11 to 16, and applications are currently being accepted for 10 male and 10 female candidates, the Lankford said.
In essence, the Stand On Our Shoulders: Adulting 101 program is created to:
- Build self-worth and purpose
- Empower youth with confidence and a sense of community
- Coordinate community service projects
- Organize safe social events for the community
- Create a positive platform to discuss how to deal with and overcome oppressive issues in the community and,
- Assisting all youth in succeeding.
The deadline to apply for the program is April 25. Those interested or for inquiries about the program, the Lankfords said, can call or text 214.854.6309.
MORE ON LANKFORD AVENUE
For more information about Drs. Keisha and Oliver Lankford of Lankford Avenue Counseling Agency, LLC and The Avenue Proactive Resource Center, Inc., or to inquire about their services, a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 214-563-1995, or connect with them via social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EndDomesticViolenceInDallas; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lankford_avenue/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_mid=D6FBBF0B-B152-4EE3-BBDC-FECAD7FCDD2E&hl=en; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-keisha-lankford-74482b69/. Also, send email to: [email protected].
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.