ABOUT

In the mid-1990s, Perry was hired by Metro Parks to run programming out of the Preston Taylor Community Center. In 1997, Patrick Hamilton began volunteering in the Preston Taylor Community.  Perry introduced him to students, parents, and community leaders and Patrick connected with a group of church leaders (Warner Durnell, Linda Knott), community leaders (McGowan and Tim Bryant) and parents (Mark McShand and Paula Thomas) in the Preston Taylor community to build on the work that Perry had started.  In March, 1998 PTM was formally incorporated as a Christian-based non-profit named Preston Taylor Ministries.  PTM met for a summer program in the fellowship hall of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church to offer children living in the community Bible studies, recreation, tutoring, and music instruction. In 1999, PTM moved to First Baptist Church of West Nashville (Pastored by Jordan Ivey). In addition to summer and afterschool programming, PTM added mentoring as a way of helping students connect to even more caring adults.

PTM serves approximately 225 children and youth in kindergarten-13th grade at eight afterschool sites. PTM believes that to be successful in life they need to be connected to a caring adult, a positive peer group, a purpose, and educational opportunity. Perry McGowan and Patrick Hamilton both continue to be involved as volunteers and financial contributors.

The mission of PTM is to empower Preston Taylor children and youth to discover and live their God-inspired dreams, develop a love for learning, and build joy-filled friendships that glorify Christ Jesus.

In order to help students grow in their sense of connectedness, PTM enlists over 300 volunteers to serve our students weekly through a variety of academic, job development, and mentoring programs.