RaRia McCranie works through her math homework while attending the After School Program at the Lily Missions Center.  Nearly 40 students spend their afternoon under caring supervision, completing homework and increasing the9r academic skills.  Students have increased their math scores by 33% and their reading scores by 20%.

* Photo courtesy Jackson Citizen Patriot. All rights reserved.  Used with permission.

 Building for Success After School

Schoolwork had never been a favorite part of “Charles’” daily routine.  He enjoyed playing with the other kids, and the teachers he had were kind and helpful, but he never seemed to be able to keep up with the class.  He could find a million reasons why his homework wasn’t done. Unfortunately, he was going to be held back if he didn’t get his grades up.

Charles’ mom found out about the After School Program at the Lily Missions Center, and got Charles enrolled.  The structured schedule and the special assistance with reading and homework helped Charles get his assignments completed and turned in.  His reading skills advanced rapidly, and his grades improved.  By the end of the school year, his reading level had gone up several grade levels, and he was no longer in danger of being held back.  The experience has made Charles think that he might like to be a teacher when he grows up.

Thanks to your support through United Way, programs at Lily Missions Center serve nearly 40 youngsters during the trouble prone after school hours.  Students in these programs typically have over a 90% homework completion rate, and make great improvements in their reading, math and computer skills.  With your help, young people like Charles are finding success in school, and are making the right steps to brighter future.