Winter 2010

Lois Jean Hart was the eldest daughter of Beatrice and McKinley Johnson. She was born in Corsicana and influenced by a family tradition of strong, educated women. She graduated in 1938 as salutatorian from G.W. Jackson High School years before desegregation. Following high school, she went to Tillotson College where she studied secondary education.

Throughout the years Ms. Hart worked for G.W. Jackson High School, Corsicana High School, the Education Service Center, and the Texas Education Agency in Austin. She retired from TEA in 1980 and returned to Corsicana.

In the late 1980’s Ms. Hart began utilizing the MLK Center for children to have a place to come. Then in 1989 Ms. Hart formed a formal drug and alcohol prevention program P.R.I.D.E., Practicing Reasoning in Drug Education was formed in 1989 targeting primarily African American children. VOICE, Viable Options in Community Endeavors, was formed in 1992 as an umbrella group to other youth-oriented programs. “P.R.I.D.E. was based on particular needs. She saw children on the east side at higher risk of drug and alcoholism and struggling with dropping out of school. As other needs arose, she formed VOICE as an agency to meet those occurring needs.” Lynda Sloan, VOICE, CEO.

VOICE since its inception has grown with changing times and needs. Several years ago all Navarro County schools were added to the drug prevention programs. Last year Freestone, Limestone, Hill, and Henderson counties were also added. VOICE offers programs supporting healthy communities, healthy families, and leadership development.