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The Word Ministry Church has created a youth program called Encouraging, Mentoring, Preparing, Ascending Cultural Traits (E.M.P.A.C.T).

Members of E.M.P.A.C.T. were honored at a recent Dallas County Commission meeting. Commissioner Vivian Rogers is a member of the Word Ministry Church.

Bishop BA Scott started the non-profit program with five kids ranging from ages 9 to 17 years old: Blaine Scott, Kamarr Underwood, Jamal Kelly, and Joqori Underwood. The program’s motto is “Making A Difference One Child At A Time.”

“The program teaches life skills and tutors youth and young adults who desire a directional transformation for an enhanced standard of life that will catapult them to better themselves as individuals,” Scott said. 

Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn praised Scott and the youth.

“EPMACT is doing a wonderful job for the community,” Nunn said. 

E.M.P.A.C.T. students learn hunting and fishing skills to foster encouragement and mentoring. Hunting and fishing events offer the opportunity to learn wild game and fish preparation for individual consumption and family sharing.

The children went on two trips during the summer, attending a Montgomery Biscuit baseball game and visiting to The Legacy Museum and the Equal Justice Center in Montgomery.

Scott said that each trip added a different quality of learning for the group including family entertainment, a historical review of events that have shaped the country’s path and efforts worldwide for equality and justice.

The Selma Police Department and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office are among the many local businesses that have donated to E.M.P.A.C.T. over the last several months, Scott explained.

“All project funding comes from private citizens, alums, and business donations,” Scott said. “The money goes straight to helping the kids.”

Also working with the Youth is Fred  Scott, a former Selma Times-Journal employee. Smith is married to Scott’s sister.