I was listening to story teller Donald Davis at JT Moore Middle School on Tuesday night with my wife and both daughters when I saw on the other side of the room Dareesha, Brenna, and Ramon sitting close to Janet, one of PTM’s volunteers. They were as mesmerized by the stories as I was. When Janet contacted PTM about organizing this opportunity, these three students were selected for this outing because of their expressed interest in theater and stories. She took them to Subway, then to the JT Moore library for this unique performance.
Last Friday, Nina, PTM’s Program Director (and Dream Manager) and Jacquie, a PTM volunteer made it possible, for a few PTM students who want to be writers to submit articles for publication in an online newspaper. Here is a link to an article about kickball by Javontae. Jasmine wrote an article about her dream to be a first grade teacher.
On Sunday, Rachel, another PTM volunteer, took John to a baseball game at Lipscomb. She has made it possible for John and Miquez to play on a baseball team in the WNSL. She is leading the parents of the team to provide needed equipment and transportation for the boys to participate. On Tuesday, Lavon got picked up from school by a volunteer and taken to STOMP with other Barefoot Camp alumni. His STOMP team will perform at various events throughout the spring. This Friday, J’twan will get picked up at PTM and taken to his drum lesson with “Mr. Nick”. J’twan has been taking lessons all school year thanks to a handful of dedicated volunteers. On Saturday, Lacories, Laikyn and Devin are going to Suessical at Hillsboro High School with another PTM volunteer.
It occurred to me (again) as I was listening to Donald Davis that the “after hours” experiences our students are having because of so many volunteers may be even more significant to their growth than the “normal” programming we provide. Some of the best work that happens through PTM happens “after hours” when the doors are locked and the lights are out, but volunteers are just getting started.
If you would like to be a part of this “after hours” brigade helping students to dream, then please let know (nina@prestontaylorministries.org). Another way to help our students pursue their dream is with Springbreak in the Marketplace. Click here for a link describing this program.