New Direction Christian Church is seeking funds to continue their virtual learning hub for school-aged children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those that would like to donate to the ongoing education of school-aged children in the Hickory Hill neighborhood can donate through a GoFundMe.com page at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/child-virtual-learning-hub-during-covid. New Direction Christian Church is partnering with the Power Center Community Development Corporation for the virtual learning hub and has a goal of $25,000 to continue the virtual learning hub through March 31.

New Direction Christian Church saw a need for the virtual learning hub as the pandemic was changing the way of life for the world in 2020. They were able to secure a grant to fund the virtual learning hub last year, but unfortunately, the grant has ended. While they await other grant opportunities families and school-aged children still need their support so they are now turning to the general public and local businesses asking for donations so they can continue supporting these children and families in a time of need.

“We are asking our community to pour into our families by giving any amount they can to help us continue supporting our school-aged children,” said Alexis Gwin-Miller, Executive Director of the Power Center Community Development Corporation and organizer for New Direction Virtual Learning Hub. Unfortunately, virtual learning has put an undue strain on many families in Shelby County for many different reasons. Some of the strains we are seeing in the Hickory Hill area are:

– Many essential workers and parents of very young children have to go to work and there is no one to support these young students in a virtual learning environment at home. Parents have to face the harsh reality of losing their jobs due to a lack of childcare options.

– Stable internet access is not always available. Although local districts and schools have worked to provide hotspots, stability and speed has been an issue for some households. Our virtual learning hub offers stable internet access.

– Caregivers may not have knowledge of technological tools and issues to properly support young students in a virtual learning environment. We have recruited a wonderful and experienced childcare staff that can provide direction to young students with technological issues.”

In the Fall of 2020, the New Direction Christian Church Virtual Learning Hub and Help Center was able to support up to 100 families with their virtual learning journey. Organizers report that the New Direction Christian Church program made a positive impact in the following ways:

– Parents were able to continue their employment and know their children were continuing to learn in a structured and supportive environment.

– Student’s grades were elevated

– Students were able to build new relationships while learning.

New Direction Christian Church is prepared to continue supporting families by providing daily virtual learning support at no cost to families with the assistance of outside funding.

The Virtual Learning Hub and Help Center follows the scholar’s individual, daily school schedule. Along with assistance with academics, they also provided breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the children. This service would be available to school-aged youth in grades K-12th grades.

The Virtual Learning Hub and Help Center aims to support families and school-aged youth in three main areas:

– In-person, on-site virtual learning support to students attending virtual school

– Academic tutoring and coaching

– Social-emotional wellness and support