C4C Congregations for Children

What Have We Been Up to Lately?

Congregations4Children, an initiative of the Smoky Mountain District of the United Methodist Church, is a collaborative effort between churches and school systems whose goal is to transform the lives of children and families impacted by poverty. One of our major focus areas is K-3 literacy. As an outgrowth of that focus, we have received a grant from the Duke Endowment designed to ensure that all Swain County children are kindergarten ready and reading proficient by third grade.

As a part of the grant process, we are partnering with Region A Partnership for Children and The Institute for Emerging Issues at N. C. State University to bring together all Swain County agencies/providers for children from birth to age 8. We will be exploring what services are currently available, what additional resources may be needed, strategies for reaching and engaging families, and developing a family-centered plan that ensures effective, realistic community collaboration.

What is C4C?

C4C has five areas of focus/opportunities to assist children in Swain County:

• Poverty Awareness and Advocacy
  • Poverty Seminars
  • Poverty Simulations
• Basic Needs
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • School Supplies
• K-3 Literacy
  • Becoming a Reading Buddy
  • Providing books for K-5 students
• Family Engagement
  • Family night activities at churches
• Faculty/Staff Support
  • Providing resources/supplies for classrooms and maker spaces
  • Giving agape gifts to show appreciation

If you would like more info about C4C visit the Congregations 4 Children website here.

Who is Involved?

All churches in Swain County are invited to collaborate with Swain County Schools to provide support for children.  All Christians love children as Jesus did, and this is another opportunity to put our love into action.

Get Involved!

There are opportunities for individuals, small groups, and entire churches to get involved with the ministry of C4C. Please prayerfully consider helping with one or more of these opportunities.

See the full list of opportunities to serve here: C4C Opportunities to Serve

To learn more about C4C in Swain County or to get involved with this initiative:

• Contact Linda Dills 828-341-5469 or Janet Clapsaddle 828-488-2244

Pray

Please pray for C4C in Swain County, for our children and their families who desperately need help, and that individuals’ hearts will be open to finding new ways to serve God through building relationships with children.