Wesley Education Center

By Ann Flanagan

"About five years ago, I decided to take a plunge and see how I could make my time count toward one of the best priorities ever—the lives of young children. Knowing something about Wesley Education Center from my UMW involvement there, I became a weekly classroom volunteer and worked on finding my place among the children of many age groups.

The Center, a mission of United Methodist Board of Global Ministries/ Women's Division is located in Avondale. Wesley has an 85-year history of serving struggling young families with quality child care, social services resources, food pantry, nutritious hot meals and a lovely outdoor play space. An average of 160 children—ranging from age one month to twelve years—use Center services daily.

It was difficult for me to know where best to help out. I first chose a classroom of three-year olds, helping them master communication skills that so often are a giant step toward a better self-esteem and self-control. I often bring in some of my world to the children: flowers from my garden…a favorite song or nursery rhyme…even my daughter who can play the penny whistle! And weekly I bring gently-used and new books or puzzles generously provided by HPCUMC nursery school staff and parents.

You'll find endless ways to help at Wesley! Infants can always use loving handling and a lullaby. Preschoolers soak up new words as we read, listen and talk with them. Many school-aged children are behind in reading and math and can use help with homework; they also enjoy playing chess, learning woodworking or developing new hobbies. Hard-working Center teachers simply appreciate the encouragement of another adult in the classroom, and telephone-answering is always needed.

HPCUMC members John Pinney, Earl Crossland and I serve as members of the Board, helping with long-range planning, fund-raising, and standard-setting. Want to learn more? Tour Wesley with me? Contact me!” - Ann Flanagan (513) 871-9536 or flan55@juno.com