By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Through their summer enrichment program, New Selmont Baptist Church, located on Selmont Avenue, provides entertainment, tutoring and a free lunch to local children looking for a way to keep busy during the summer.

Margaret Perry, director of the church’s enrichment program, said its number one priority is keeping children safe and nourished — both physically and spiritually.

“We try to keep the program interesting so the children will want to come back. We do tutoring — depending on the child’s age — and Bible study,” Perry said. “You can’t read the Bible to kids and expect them to understand, so we try to act out different Bible stories to give them a visual idea of what happened.”

Along with providing children with a safe place to play, the program, which began June 2, provides a no-cost lunch for the children with funding from the Dallas County Commission.

“We want to feed them, keep them safe, and teach them something at the same time. Our number one [priority] is giving the children a safe place to meet other kids and play without being afraid,” Perry said. “We also feed them lunch. I’m not sure how many children wouldn’t get lunch [if they weren’t part of the program], but there are mornings when kids come in hungry. We do our best to help.”

Perry said the enrichment program, which is normally attended by 55 children all under the age of 18, will hold an end-of-the-year program Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. as a way for the children to show their appreciation to the community.

“The kids wanted to hold a program to thank those who support [them]. The children are going to sing, do a drama skit, and a praise dance. The way this community pulls together to give the children these opportunities is awesome,” she said. “We are so thankful to the Dallas County Commission and all those who support our program.”