While she was a teaching assistant in the late 60s-70s, this beautiful heart and hero made an observation that drove her to start a pre-school programme in her apartment. She quit her job in 1970 and formally opened the Gingerbread House. It was the first black owned educational and developmental child-care Centre. It began with one child to fifty-five to over a hundred children.

Thelma Lee overcame intense prejudice to run an excellent institution that catered for preschoolers and their older siblings. The older ones did not have to skip classes anymore to tend to their tender siblings.

Being a pupil at the Gingerbread House ensured two hot meals daily and regular field trips, for a well rounded education . (Continues later)