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Homework
and Hope
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Every Tuesday afternoon a blue and white van goes out into two poor communities in western Pennsylvania and comes back to the Center for Hope with precious cargo. More than 30 children come to the center for help with their homework and to find an understanding adult who will take the time to listen to their problems. Kim Riemland shares the story of a program that gives homework, and hope. |
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SCRIPT:
The Rev. Fred Smith / Pastor, Fellowship United Methodist Church: “This was at one time a very thriving community, but when the steel mills closed down…seemed like they took all the hope with them.”
Poverty and gloom descended upon Ambridge, a working class community just south of Pittsburgh. Where others saw despair, Pastor Fred Smith saw opportunity.
The Rev. Fred Smith: “I call it a sense of transcendence, that’s they’re not bound by their place.”
To lift those spirits, Fellowship United Methodist created the Center for Hope, an after school program for neighborhood kids.
Linda Hoehl / Volunteer Mentor: “Most of these children would be home alone; there may not be a meal.”
Joe Afflerbach / Volunteer Mentor: “Did you know that the Pacific Ocean is expanding?”
Volunteers like Joe Afflerbach, an industrial engineer, help with homework and serve as role models.
Joe Afflerbach: “A lot of these kids might not have the encouragement to do anything with there lives and that’s what I’m really after is to try to let them see some hope.”
Majesta Johnson / Student: “And when we do stuff, they congratulate us and make us feel like human beings.”
Smaller groups work on problem-solving, self-esteem and respect.
The Rev. Fred Smith: “One of the greatest things they get is to have someone’s attention, someone who’s fully focused on them.
8 year old Isaiah Williams uses this time to polish up on his math and computer skills.
Isaiah Williams: “I want to be a doctor.”
The Rev. Fred Smith: “And all of them have dreams because they’re exposed to people who have other professions than drug dealer, other professions that prostitute.”
Seeing beyond what is before you. Pastor Smith had that vision. And because of that, this community’s future is filled with hope.
TAG:
The Center for Hope works with many partner organizations and churches to offer among other things a food pantry, clothes pantry, adult literacy program, and computer classes. Reverend Smith has plans to provide a summer lunch program for 65 children in the neighborhood and one day he hopes to open a 24-hour day care center.