BANNERMAN GETS AN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

​BANNERMAN GETS AN AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
 
In the last five months I have witnessed a remarkable example of what can happen when neighbors work together.  Our Bannerman community has created an after school program for the children of working parents.  Bethel Church was one of the partners that helped make it happen.
 
You may remember my mentioning this after school program in a Pastor’s Corner I wrote some months ago.  The local school principle identified the need for it. Dave Ball, our local Community League President rallied the neighbors to address the challenge.
 
Initially, several of us met to discuss the proposal.  Eventually it ended up on the regular agenda of the Bannerman Partners group that I chair, and that meets regularly at Bethel Church. 
 
Over the months we watched the afterschool program take shape.  The Boys’ and Girls’ Club agreed to staff the program on several days of the week. Other organizations stepped up to fill other afternoons.  The Boys’ and Girls’ Club, the Community League, and Communities United agreed to pay the costs.  A program that was once only a distant hope, became a reality because many people pitched in to help.
 
A challenge remains: funding will run out at the end of this school year.  It is hoped that by the start of next school year parents and other residence will see how vital this program is and offer to volunteer time and money to keep it running.  For now we are celebrating that the program is being offered. 
 
All of our neighbors might not recognize it, but I know God was acting graciously through our efforts to meet the needs of Bannerman.  It is something we pray for constantly.  I am happy that Bethel could be a partner with our community to see this good thing happen.—Pastor Tom
 

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