Dalton Public/Whitfield County Schools

 
First Baptist Church is actively involved in the school outreach programs of both the Dalton City and Whitfield County Public Schools. We are thankful that the schools of our community and area have opened themselves up to the ministries of our church. How do we help? The help given is both substantial and meaningful! Mentors volunteer hours upon hours as "Big Buddies" to children in our schools. Many of these children lack strong parental support in the home and our members are able, in tangible ways, to help fill part of that void. Mentors meet on a scheduled basis with the children and, though direct communication with teachers and school administrators, assist in areas of academics where the children are struggling. But, it is not all study—it is GREAT fun for both the child and the mentor. Oftentimes, games are played and fun books are read. Authentic relationships are being built through our mentoring program.

 

But, it does not end there. First Baptist leaders stay in close touch with school outreach workers to assure that the physical and emotional needs of the children of our community are being met. Outreach workers have made referrals about needed handicap ramps at the homes of several of our wheelchair bound students. Our ramp teams have immediately gone into action building these ramps. Sometimes medicine co-pays are needed for children and their parents are not able to have prescriptions filled. Our benevolence fund assists in such situations. Sometimes eye glasses are needed—again those needs are met. Clothing and food needs are constantly being addressed as well through the ministry of our church.

 

Need school supplies? For a number of years First Baptist Church held an annual program called "Back to the Book". Literally thousands of book bags filled to overflowing with school supplies were distributed by members of First Baptist. In recent years, our school supply program has become quite a bit more focused to assure that the “real” needs of our kids are being met.

 

At Christmas each year, First Baptist Church members and Sunday School classes assist greatly with assuring that every child in our community has a “merry” Christmas. Gifts are purchased for all family members through the generosity of our church family. Last year and once again this year, First Baptist will be a vital financial and physical support to the “Sharing is Caring Community Christmas Program.”

 

This list only scratches the surface as to the many ways that First Baptist Church is on-mission to assure that the needs of our community children are being met.