DISCERNING OUR WAY FORWARD

Thanks to the generosity of IPC members in 2020 and 2021, there were budget surpluses, and Session directed the use of $527,000 of the funds to support Community Ministries’ priorities and special needs. Session established the Community Ministries Discernment Committee, which met most of 2022 to determine the focus (children in need in greater Birmingham) and specific use of the funds.

The following update highlights the progress of the four projects.

SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAM SERVICES--OUR FIRST YEAR WITH YOUTH INTERNS

By Melissa Self Patrick & Evelyn Puckett

Each summer, just over 100 students in rising second to eighth grade enjoy IPC’s Summer Learning Program (SLP) full of academics, fun, enrichment opportunities, and field trips. This summer, six alumni were hired as our first-ever SLP Youth Interns. Their internship is funded through a Discernment Committee Grant to the Children’s Fresh Air Farm (CFAF) and the SLP.

This class of rising sophomores has known each other for many years and was thrilled to return to the SLP in a new role. Before this year’s program began, Evonte made it a goal to become a certified lifeguard and has proven himself to be an excellent one.

What’s interesting to know is that the intern class is responsible for the addition of grades to SLP due to their love for and investment in the CFAF. Their persistent request to return paid off, and they have shown maturity, dependability, and eagerness to help and learn. They serve as exemplary role models in the classroom, gym, and pool, and the younger campers admire them. This year's eighth graders aspire to follow in their footsteps as soon as possible.

MEET THIS SUMMER’S INTERNS

Evonte, who served as a Lifeguard

“I went here when I was younger, and they helped me succeed so I’m glad I get to give back this summer as a Youth Intern!”

Michael, who assisted teachers in the fourth-grade classroom with tasks, small groups math games, and reading “You can be yourself, have fun, and don’t have to worry about violence or any harm towards you.”

Marcus, who assisted Coach T during gym class, kept coolers filled, cleaned up gym, and helped get snacks to every classroom while going to his football practice before starting the day at SLP and taking an Algebra class at the end of the day “I was here from second grade to eighth grade, so I’ve been on both sides now. I like working with Coach T.”

Xavion, who helped Marcus assist Coach T during gym class, keep coolers filled, clean up gym, and serve snacks

“I like helping kids out and I try to be a good role model and leader. And I have fun working with them, too.”

Treasure, who assisted the teachers in the second-grade classrooms with tasks, small group math games, and reading “I have been at the camp since my fifth-grade year. My years at camp have been amazing! I love the program it has for the students. This camp is honestly an amazing place, and I love it.”

Ariyana, who assisted the teachers in the third-grade classrooms with tasks, small group math games, and reading “I really enjoy the whole thing/ bus rides to working with children in classrooms, seeing how they grow academically. I enjoy working with my former classmates too. They make the job better too. And just watching the children become great human beings too.”

Mobility Mentoring At I3 Academy

By Susie Abbott

Melissa Self Patrick, Evelyn Puckett and I recently visited i3 Academy for an update on Mobility Mentoring. We met with Dr. Tommy Bice and the new coordinator, Ebone Kimber. Ebone brings to this position a social work background, as well as many community connections.

They recently traveled to Boston for training with EMPath (Economic Mobility Pathways), a nonprofit that improves the lives of people living in poverty.

Ebone has identified 12 families that began the coaching program on the first day of school on July 27, with the intention of adding 12 additional families per year. The families will partner with volunteers to develop a plan and connect them to various resources in the community.

The goal is to support these families as they build skills and get them to a place where they are no longer struggling.

Family Wraparound Support Services

By Melissa Self Patrick & Evelyn Puckett

For many years the Community Ministries Department has supported the families of STAIR, Lift Off, and Summer Learning Program students, especially with financial assistance to those who are in crisis situations.

Now, thanks to funding from the Discernment Committee, five families are participating in Family Wraparound Support Services, receiving assistance in support of their goals of self-sufficiency. Four of the participants are parents of current students in the Summer Learning Program; the fifth is a former neighbor and visitor to The Table.

Three of the participants are in medical-related programs at local colleges. Another participant graduated from Hope Inspired Ministries, and the fifth trained in HVAC at the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama. Of the two who have graduated, both quickly found full-time employment. Two of the students are preparing for certification exams, while the remaining student continues classes and clinicals.

Along the path to self-sufficiency, the participants were in school and studying. The single mothers and single man were able to work only a few hours each week, and in one case, not able to work at all. By assisting with rent, utility bills, and transportation issues, IPC is providing a bridge to a more successful future. We look forward to providing more happy updates.

COMMUNITY CONNECTOR AT HAYES K-8 SCHOOL

By Melissa Self Patrick & Evelyn Puckett

Daphne Huff began her work as the Community Connector at Hayes K-8 School in early April.

Discernment Committee members were part of the interview process and were impressed with her decades of teaching experience and her enthusiasm to connect Hayes parents and children with various resources and strengthen community partners' support to benefit families. She is employed by Birmingham Education Foundation to be on-site at Hayes as part of their Education Innovation Initiative.

To date, Ms. Huff has successfully established a PTA at Hayes K-8 and also spent time assisting at our Summer Learning Program.

Meeting The Needs Of Local Children

The Discernment Committee chose to use the designated funds to support children and families in the Birmingham area in ways that provide impact and lead to long-term change. Funding amounts are as follows:

Summer Learning Program Services

• Overall Investment: $125,400

• $62,700 per year

Mobility Mentoring at i3 Academy

• Overall Investment: $180,000

• $60,000 per year for three years

Family Wraparound Support Services

• Overall Investment: $94,484

• Year 1: $51,100

• Year 2: $43,384

Community Connector at Hayes K-8 School

• Overall Investment: $127, 116

• $63, 558 per year