A Summer Program for Year-round Thriving
It was an exciting summer at Chapel Hill UMC in OKC! We are excited to host one of the sites for Project Transformation. We have 40 kids in our building Monday through Thursday from 9 am-3 pm. Many times, we just hear about the literacy part of this program, helping kids to stay focused on reading and keeping their reading levels up. But there is so much more.
This summer program provides summer meals for kids, helps keep them up on reading skills, continues to teach S.T.E.M. skills, builds new friendships, creates special moments for the entire family, and allows the church to engage with families in our community. Project Transformation has reminded us of just how special our connection is as the United Methodist Church. Every day, the kids have a time that is set aside to practice one on one reading with a teen or adult volunteer. Project Transformation is an 8-week program, and each week a different United Methodist Church or special residents (here’s a shout out to the awesome residents at Epworth Villa!) bring volunteers to serve and listen to kids read in a one-on-one format. This means that the future success of these kids isn’t just a celebration for Chapel Hill, but for all the amazing churches that are a part of this amazing work.
Our members not only get to read one on one but build relationships that last all year long. During the school year, we have two Whiz Kids sites. Whiz Kids is an after-school program that helps kids with their reading skills. Members volunteer to do a lesson, help provide snacks, read one on one with a child, and connect with the parents during pick up. This allows us to engage with families all year round! We also provide school supplies for students and schools when needed as well. This gives us a connection to the kids and the schools and the parents and are a part of addressing their needs throughout the year.
You can read more about Project Transformation and its summer program at https://projecttransformation.org/oklahoma/
Reported by Chris Dodson; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.