SPRING 2007
SCHOLARSHIPS~
We are pleased to provide college scholarships this spring to several deserving young people. This year the guidance counselors at each high school are assisting in the selection process. During the Mary Awards' Day at Harrison Central High School, Gulfport High School, St. John's High $5000 in scholarship money will be awarded to selected seniors. Additionally, 2 students already completing their freshman year of college are eligible for additional assistance. We are thrilled that each year our scholarship endowment grows so that we are able to provide more and more college funding for deserving youth.
TUTORING PROGRAM~
More than 30 elementary student are receiving after school tutoring at Pass Road Elementary. Four teachers remain after school to work with students on computerized lessons to enrich their cognitive skills and to bring math and reading scores up to grade-level for these children. We are gratified to find dedicated teachers who are eager to provide this service to young people who need that extra hand-up to meet their educational goals.
ART PROJECT~
In conjunction with the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, we provide an exciting art program at Pass Road Elementary. CeCe Vallot is offering children the opportunity to design and paint ceramic plates and mugs, which she then fires so they have gifts to take home to their parents and grandparents. Art is one of the major educational opportunities children need to help them learn to deal creatively and productively within their school and home environment. Often art and music opportunities for children lesson the burden of reality!
We are continuing to support field trips for students as well as provide funds for special activities such as student plays and materials for costumes.
GiGi Hines is working this year at West Elementary using her musical skills to enrich the classroom activities for children in the Special-Education Classes. Gigi does such a wonderful job with children, and the school's staff are quite pleased with her involvement there.
CONCERT~
On March 11, Linda Machi, "the little lady with the big voice" gave a concert of music she has written as well as old standards. Linda's' gift of singings is so marvelous it is almost indescribable. Just hearing her sing brings blessings to the who are fortunate to be wherever she sings. We hope to do more of these concerts and open them to the community at large. Thank you, Linda, for what you offer! Her husband, Nick, is in his own right a remarkable man who shares his joy in the word of God.
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE~
This spring we have had an opportunity to help six families with needed medical attention and hospital bills. Without insurance, working mothers have e a difficult time providing for their children's needs, especially those that are not covered by state's insurance for school children.
Additionally, we have provided special assistance with rental, electricity, food and clothing for more than 30 families.
ALso, the Red Cross asked for our assistance in helping a family of six keep their home from foreclosure.
There are many needs in this local neighborhood and many families who welcome any kindness, hope and support. It is a tribute to all our donors for their willingness to give these blessings to people in need and see that their lives are enriched by caring in action. THANK YOU!
LET'S TALK PROGRAM~
Susan Traill, a certified counselor, is offering a "Let's Talk" program to individuals an families who want a caring an objective ear to assist in facing challenges and solving problems. We are indeed grateful to Susan for her expertise and her time so freely given. This program has been a true success and a wonderful opportunity to serve our community. Thank you Susan!
HARMONY HOUSE~
Programs at Harmony House are expanding. The WOW program meet there monthly, Yoga classes are held several times a week, a philosophy group meets there every other week on Wednesday nights, the Wholistic Wellness Program meets on the first Friday of every month and a Women's Christian Organization meets there eon Tuesday nights. We are happy to provide this space for educational and enrichment activities.
YES PROGRAM~
The YES Program (Youth Employment Skills Program) has joined with our efforts to provide temporary minimum wae work to men and women who are out of work and seeking a positive way to meet life needs whil seeking more permanent jobs. Currently, there are five and sometimes six adults in this program. We are grateful to have these skilled people to assist us at The Nourishing Place as well as families in the community who need some handy-work completed.
A NEW HELPING HAND~
In January Brenda Boothe has come to join us in our daily labors. Brenda shops and prepares the suppers for Bible Study (along with other good food offerings from participants), purchases needed supplies for us, does basic accounting, and does most of the printing of the newsletters. Brenda is also developing a directory of folks who are connected to The Nourishing Place and who attend chapel services and/or Bible Study. Brenda is a true blessing to this organization. Thanks, Brenda!
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION~
We are beginning to collect box tops from a variety of food containers to give to the schools so they can purchase needed items. If any of you are willing, please cut our the small coupons on boxes, bags and cans and save them for us. Each coupon is worth ten cents when turned in toward purchases. We will appreciate any assistance in collecting these coupons. (The coupons are about one-inch squares and usually in color somewhere on the food packages)
BIBLE STUDY~
Bible Study meets on Tuesday evening's at 5:30 for a delicious meal. The study itself is from 6:30 to 7:30. Please join us for lively discussions and spiritual growth.
CHAPEL SERVICES~
Each Sunday we have worship at 9 a.m. It is informal and all people are welcome. A good cooked breakfast is served at 8:30 and again at 9:30 following the worship. We are blessed to have many wonderful musicians who add blessings to the service. Please join us during this holy time.
The Healing Group is available after the service
