Center for Spiritual Development at 5324 W. Northwest Highway
No matter how long you’ve lived in Preston Hollow, some places in our neighborhood remain a mystery. We are about to change that. This is the first post in our new “What is it?” series. We will investigate unmarked buildings and obscurely named businesses, so you are not left in wonder. You will learn more about our area of town and gain some interesting talking points for dinner parties. Let’s begin at 5324 W. Northwest Highway, near Inwood Road.
Center for Spiritual Development
If it weren’t for a parking lot, the Center for Spiritual Development would look like someone’s private residence. It is sheltered by trees and set so far back from the road you have to squint to see it. There are no obvious signs declaring the center’s existence, but that has not affected its success.
CSD has been operational since 1989 when it was founded by Dr. Don Benton, the then pastor of Lover’s Lane United Methodist Church. The church had a long history of ministering to alcoholics and Benton wanted to create a safe place where people struggling with addiction could go to heal. His son, Don Jr. “Dink” Benton, formed Twelfth Step Ministry to better serve those involved with the center. Regular CSD visitors follow the ministry’s twelve step program to gain sobriety and peace. The center now helps people with all forms of addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous, Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous all host meetings in the building.
Twelfth Step Ministry has received numerous accolades for its work in addiction recovery, including some from the White House. The organization has also been recognized locally. In 2013, the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Association for Addiction Professionals named Twelfth Step “Community Organization of the Year.” Donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations keep the ministry running. Those interested in funding Twelfth Step may visit the organization’s page on Networkforgood.org.
Is there a business you’ve been dying to know more about or a building you’ve always found puzzling? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below and we may investigate your idea for our next “What is it?” post.
