FAITH MISSION, BRENHAM ISD BEGIN 16TH YEAR OF SMART-CARE PROGRAM
Faith Mission and Brenham ISD have begun another year of the Science, Math, Art, Reading and Technology - Cultural Academic Recreation and Enrichment (SMART-CARE) program.
Established in the 2006-07 school year, the program has for 16 years helped children and families maximize their potential. Held at the SMART House at 500 Botts Street in Brenham, children in grades Pre-K through 4th grade receive homework assistance, tutoring, one-on-one mentoring, and cultural and recreational education.
Faith Mission Executive Director Rev. Randy Wells says, “When Jean Shoup, JD Young, and myself came together to manifest this vision, we would have never imagined the impact it would have on 1,000s of children and families over the years. We have the best of Brenham ISD teachers, specialist, and even retired teachers who after a long day of school sacrifice another hour and half twice a week to make a difference in the lives of the children of our community.”
Last year, a mentoring program called Blinn Football and Athletes Mentoring Others for Ultimate Success (B-FAMOUS) to provide stability for each child and a person to call their own. Coach Jeff Jenkins of Blinn Women’s Basketball Team says, “Our student-athletes love volunteering with Faith Mission and working with the kiddos. I believe our players receive just as much as the children and families do by giving back to our community.” Blinn Head Football Coach Ryan Mahon says, “Our guys love being a part of something that is bigger than them. It dispels the myth all young people are narcissists and self-absorbed. I am so proud of our student-athletes for embracing the Faith Mission SMART program.”
The program takes places Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m., with special activities including: Wednesdays Family Fest sponsored by the Cannery Kitchen, Pumpkin and Pizza with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Christmas Party, and end of the school year Celebrate Success in Fireman’s Park. The program is kept at a maximum of 25 children to maximize outcomes and encourage parental engagement. For more information, call Dalia Vela at 979-836-1913.