SAPC / Mission / Seigle Avenue Partners

Seigle Avenue Partners

Website: http://www.seigleavenuepartners.org

The program was created in 1999 as a separate nonprofit to expand neighborhood programs. The initial and primary focus to date is to provide a comprehensive Out of School Time (OST) program for 60 kindergarten-through-8th-grade children in the Piedmont Courts and Belmont neighborhoods.

"Our focus is both strengthening the community as well as the students' success," says Mary Nell McPherson, Partners Executive Director.

That takes the efforts of parents, schools, volunteers, outside agencies, and, of course, Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church.

After the Hope Building was completed, Seigle members recognized that the needs of the younger children were being met successfully by the preschool, but that wasn't enough. Now that more space was available, too, Partners was created so the church could expand its programs for children to be more comprehensive and to continue its outreach to families in the neighborhood.

More than just after-school care, the current Partners program provides a safe haven for

children, where caring adults offer supervision, homework help and friendship. Each child is paired with a volunteer mentor for an hour each week. Painting, African drumming/dance, sculpture classes, sports and field trips are also offered.

Parents play a critical role in their child's academic and social success. Therefore, Partners expects parents to attend monthly meetings and to serve as volunteers in the program. A successful parent-to-parent support group has been formed.

"We can always use more volunteers," says Mary Nell. "We need you. We could not do what we do without standing on the shoulders of Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church and its work in this community for the last 50 years.”

To volunteer, contact Mary Nell McPherson, Executive Director, at 704-371-4922.

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