Academic Enrichment programs garner media attention

In the absence of in-person instruction this fall by City schools, Abundant Life’s Academic Enrichment programs are filling a void, and local media are taking notice. The lead article in the Daily Progress on October 12 featured a large photo of Elementary Programming Coordinator Angel Feero and the headline, “Local organizations step in to fill gaps for working families.” The article describes our four-hour per day program supporting 27 Prospect students during their virtual school day.

Notes Angel, “Doing four days every week for the whole morning is a big addition to what we were doing. It’s been a big shift, but we’re making it work.” The article highlights the important roles our host, Christ Episcopal Church, and 34 volunteers play in pulling it off. The virtual learning centers of City of Promise and International Neighbors are also profiled.

Just over two weeks later, on October 27, Charlottesville Tomorrow ran an article covering both of our Academic Enrichment programs (elementary and middle). “How a Charlottesville faith-based organization assists local neighborhood with virtual learning” features a photo of and interview with Executive Director Nathan Walton.

“I was glad that [Abundant Life] put this together. It helps us parents that have to go to work. It helps us a lot even from being here half a day.” – Tarra Taylor

Nathan explains, “We knew there was going to be a change, so we surveyed families and asked if that’s something they’d be interested in or find helpful. Once we got the feedback, then we knew this was something parents wanted.” The article highlights the important role our partner, PB&J Fund, plays in providing healthy snacks.

Unlike the Elementary Academic Enrichment program, the Middle School program provides support after school. Abundant Life Fellow and STRIVE graduate Luís Sanchez-Rosa leads the program four days per week at Buford Middle School, serving 14 of our neighborhood youth.

Three parents offer their perspective on the programs in Charlottesville Tomorrow, including Tarra Taylor: “I was glad that [Abundant Life] put this together. It helps us parents that have to go to work. It helps us a lot even from being here half a day.”

All of Abundant Life’s programs operate under our COVID-19 safety protocols. No staff members, participants, or volunteers have contracted the virus.