 Faith Christian Community (FCC) Church has been a part of the Northwood Elementary family for over 10 years, thanks to the interest the Children’s Ministry staff and Pastor have taken in the neighborhood schools. Theirs is truly a mission of outreach, and because of that vision, the church walls extend many miles beyond the physical building to bring comfort to children and adults in need.
The church has helped the Northwood community several times this year, thanks to the guidance of Lisa Edington, its School Partnership Coordinator. They put together an outdoor clothing drive, a “long weekend” food provision program for children who might otherwise have little to eat over 3-day weekends, donated Thanksgiving meal items through their GIFT program, provided dinner service for Northwood’s annual Winterfest event, gave holiday assistance through FCC’s Miracle Tree donations, and created opportunities for families to attend their Positive Parenting workshops.
Northwood’s 21st Century Afterschool Program has benefited from the assistance of Youth Pastor Joel Brown, who brings ten volunteers to the school each week to tutor students. In this program, students receive homework help, recreational and creative time, and a safe place to be after school – important for kids, parents, teachers, and the community. 21st Century Coordinator Maria Clyde says, “The one-on-one help these tutors are providing is invaluable. It gives kids a chance to really make progress with individual support.”
The impact Faith Christian Community has made upon Northwood’s students and their families is immeasurable. As a school of over 300 students, it is likely that each one has been touched by FCC, from meals served at family nights to a warm coat or mittens, holiday presents, or tutoring assistance. FCC’s spirit of volunteerism is infectious; the student council’s food drive stemmed from a desire to help with FCC’s effort in Thanksgiving blessing.
The longevity of the partnership between Northwood ABC and Faith Christian Community Church speaks to deeply held beliefs about making a strong impact in the lives of children. The saying, “It takes a village” is characteristic of the Northwood-FCC collaboration. By helping to meet physical, academic, and emotional needs with consistency and compassion, we can be a part of a community where, as Principal Greg Balcao says, “Each of us has something to teach, each has something to learn.” |
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Lisa Edington (L) with nurse Laura Ownby (R) preparing weekend food bags for students who may not get enough to eat during long school breaks. |
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