An after school program at Tyner United Methodist Church, 6805 Standifer Gap Road, is scheduled to begin Friday to provide tutorial help in math and reading for children who have fallen behind in their respective grade levels. Reaching out to at risk children of the community will provide tutorial help to improve their skills and help them succeed in school, church, leaders say. "Our plan is to begin our program on a small scale starting with 30 children, 10 each from grades one, two and three at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School."

Through the efforts of the school principal, Hamilton County Schools has agreed to transport the children from the school to the church at no charge. Th children will then be picked up by their parents Monday through Thursday each week at 6 p.m.

This will be a computer-based program, so a computer lab will be set up and each child will spend time each day on specific programs to increase his understanding of math and improve his reading skills. Several members of the church have donated computers and a local school receiving new equipment is giving us earphones and a new printer and a church member is donating another printer.

Organizers said, "We have received monetary donations from several church members which will be enough to begin the program. However, we still need a few computer monitors, money to provide snacks for the children each day, as well as funds for operational expenses. There will be several opportunities for volunteer participation in this program. Someone will need to work with exercise and recreation, serve snacks, work with craft activities, help with homework, tell a Bible story or assist in the computer lab. We are going out on faith that God will provide our needs.

"The dream of every child is to grow physically and mentally to realize his full potential as he progresses through his early formative years. As caring adults,  we have a responsibility to help these children. God has placed a burden on the hearts of members of our congregation to lend assistance to these struggling youngsters."  

If you would like to participate as a volunteer, please contact Earl Whittaker, at 899-5054, or Nancy Alexander at 326-0331.