withmaryann

INTERVIEWPAGE 4

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HENDERSONcenter

OPENBy Garrett Render

center

OPENBy Garrett Render

After months of searching, praying, and practicing new levels of patience, we finally launched our new Henderson Center! I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous than I was on that first day, but it was a good kind of nervous. Not being sure how many kids (if any) were going to show up. Would they even like the program or would they write it off on the very first day?

All of those fears were quickly erased as the kids walked through the door for the first time. They came rushing in until there were 12 of them in total. Once I saw the smiles on their faces and the eagerness in their eyes, I knew that this was going to be a special group of kids. In the five

weeks that we’ve been open, I’ve grown to care about them more and more.

My favorite moment at the center so far would have to be when we took the kids to the local library. It was a milestone for me to take them on the center’s very first field trip! The librarian gave us a tour followed by a game of bingo, which the kids loved. I got to sit and read with one of our second graders, Sarah. At first she didn’t really want to read, but once we got started she was bursting with personality.

Each week we have had a team of teen volunteers from churches located all over the country. So far this summer we’ve made crafts, played some pretty crazy games, and studied the book of Genesis together! With the help of our Program Director, Kendra Dyson, we have focused on improving the reading and spelling skills of the students. The kids have moved up to the next reading level and mastered sets of vocabulary words. I can’t wait to be a part of their lives this next school year. Thank you for helping Club Christ launch this new center with your love and support!

Click HERE on this page to watch a short video of the center.

Q: Your time with Club Christ began as a volunteer and dance teacher, how would you describe that experience?

A: That experience was amazing! When I first began volunteering I immediately fell in love with the kids. I loved their energy and their quirky personalities; I loved getting to see them every week. When Kendra approached me about starting a dance program I was overjoyed! I was seeking a way to get back into teaching dance and I was so excited that Club Christ provided an opportunity for me to teach again.

Q: What is your favorite memory of your time as a volunteer with Club Christ?

A: I think my favorite memory has to be at the end of the year BBQ when one of the pastors was praying over the kids and once he finished the prayer he asked them to go up to someone they love and give them hug and tell them that Jesus loved them. This particular student went and found one of his siblings and hugged them and then went on a search to find me. He beelined towards where I was standing and ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug and said “Jesus loves you Ms. Maryann.” I love that memory.

Q: When you were first approached by Club Christ to join staff, how did you feel? What was your reaction?

A: I couldn’t believe it! I was getting ready to graduate college and I was getting a job lined up with a different non-profit that worked with inner city youth in their schools. The main difference was that this non-profit was not Christ centered and often pushed an agenda that I didn’t necessarily agree with. So, when Kendra approached me I was overwhelmed.

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CHECK OUT A Q&A WITH MARYANN about her time as a volunteer and her hopes for the new center

READING TIME - Practicing her reading with Evan, this third grade student gets much needed time and attention from a caring adult. See up-to-date photos by clicking HERE to friend us on Facebook.

Photo of the month

prayer points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• For protection over the hearts and minds of the team working with the students each week

• For our staff retreat in August where we plan out this next year

• For the seeds planted this summer in the hearts of the kids to grow

Join the weekly prayer team by clicking HERE to email us!

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Q: As many of our readers know, you have been waiting to come on staff for quite sometime. How would you describe your first month on staff?A: My first month has been great! Although, it has been quite the adjustment. I have been so used to running around as a waitress. Changing pace to creating programs, having budget meetings, and getting to spend my afternoons tutoring has been a pleasant change.

Q: While we are still a few months from your center’s grand-opening, what do you look forward to most?

A: What I look forward to the most is creating relationships with the kids and the families in the community. I am also excited to watch them grow educationally, spiritually, and emotionally as we partner in tutoring, Bible studies and mentoring. It’s going to be great.

Our Hearts for Hope Ladies Tea raised $16,500! SEE WHAT $16,500 CAN DO THROUGH CCM

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