From left, volunteers and UTC students Christian Hassel and Brittany Rodriguez; Wade Cowart, resident at The Lantern at Collegedale; Dawn Dunn, life enrichment director at The Lantern at Collegedale, Willie Kitchens, Jr.; Laura Grody, Board president of The Bethlehem Center; and Reginald F. Smith, II, executive director of The Bethlehem Center.
Willie Kitchens Jr., worship leader at Christ United Methodist Church, received a check from The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Collegedale to benefit The Bethlehem Center’s after-school and summer academic programs.
As a part of the Meaningful Day program, the Life Enrichment Program at Morning Pointe gives residents the opportunity to contribute to community service projects. The Lantern, on Messinger Lane in Ooltewah, serves residents with Alzheimer’s and other memory care needs in the greater Collegedale/Ooltewah area with a wide variety of activities and care services that enhance quality of life.
Mr. Kitchens, minister of music at The Bethlehem Center, was honored during the Breakfast of Champions at Tyner United Methodist Church for his dedication since 1995.
In 1999, Mr. Kitchens joined The Impressions and toured with famous artists, such as Eric Clapton. Mr. Kitchens has been coming to The Lantern of Collegedale to play piano and lead the Joyful Sounds Choir for the residents.
The Bethlehem Center, on West 38th Street in Chattanooga, focuses on “…empowering inner-city youth and families to lead responsible lives by providing discipleship, education and leadership development,” according to the organization’s website.