Learn and Play Grant: A Leap of Faith

We've long discussed that the only real way to fight poverty is through education. The Learn and Play program will do just that. The program features classes for children (birth to five) and their parents twice a month that will focus on parenting skills, the importance of reading to your child, and other topic pertinent to early-childhood education. Additional programs feature developmental screenings via Russell Child Development, visits from the County Health Department focusing on child health and the importance of vaccination, and visits to the Satanta Public Library.

The program will be funded through a $5,000 grant that is being prepared by Stephanie and Stacey. The only catch is that the matching grant, which we've pledged to provide, is $1,500. After some discussion this morning, we decided--barring major objections from class members who weren't able to be in church this morning--that this is something we can do because we believe that our congregation will be in support of this program. With this in mind, Stephanie is preparing a bulletin insert (and an announcement) for this coming Sunday. She will encourage the congregation to join us in funding this important project.

Our June 12 garage sale will also likely be needed to help offset this investment in our community, so start saving that stuff!

We also discussed the need to support our public library, and it was decided that rather than offer financial support, we would arrange for a book drive. Ryan is working on getting the word out regarding this project, and Rachel is getting a plastic container in which books can be donated. All of this will be discussed in more detail next Sunday prior to Lana's reception in the narthex, so come early!