This week our host Cynthia Whittaker Putman, Ready To Learn Coordinator for WCTE and Putnam County Schools (TN) School System is joined by John Rust, Covenant Church Community Outreach Coordinator and a Community Collaborative For Early Learning Media member. They discuss the importance of building relationships to make a difference in the lives of families and children.
John Rust shared the vision to build a relationship with families and kids in the neighborhood that surrounds Northside Community Center. Covenant Church purchased several storage units and converted them into a laundry facility, a community meeting space with a kitchen, and study areas. This allowed them to meet the needs of families in this area. With the Covid -19 school closures they decided to partner with the Putnam County School System Summer Feeding program and help distribute food to children while also preparing and delivering food to the entire family.
Putman and Rust discussed the importance of really getting to know the needs of the families in different areas of our community. Often Social Service agencies provide resources for families in an “one and done” manner. While these resources are greatly appreciated the relationship building never occurs. Covenant Church took an entirely different approach and committed to spend the summer working daily with “their neighbors.” Rust said that relationships were built, neighbors got to really know each other, and meals were shared.
Over 3000 meals were served to families this summer on top of the meals that were provided to children by the Putnam County School System.
With the Covid-19 economic impact in our community many families are struggling to meet their basic needs. Putman and Rust both serve on the Community Advisory Board - CAB- which is led by PCSS Family Engagement Coordinator Jackie Reynolds.
CAB is comprised of representatives from local agencies, faith-based groups, and social service groups that work directly with children and their families.
CAB is hosting an outside rummage sale to raise money to help families with food, shelter, gas, transportation to medical appointments, and emergency situations. Come out on August 29th and find bargains galore! Train and receive a free Narcan kit during the yard sale as well.
Additional free resources to keep parents & caregivers connected:
- Bright By Text is a great tool for parents and caregivers of children birth to to get free learning games and easy-to-understand tips texted to you, text “WCTE” to 274448. It’s free and so easy!
- We also invite you to check out the Connection Zone where you can find all sorts of activities for kids of all ages. Plus, check out the Monthly Activity calendar for little learners on our At Home Learning website. This is an educational one stop shop for free resources for summer learning!
Listeners outside the broadcast area of News Talk 107.7 and 1400 The Hub can stream the radio show by downloading the 107.7 and 1400 The Hub app.
We invite you to tune in or check out previous recordings of the show at https://www.wcte.org/podcast/!
