by Bethel University
The Bethel University Community Engagement Scholarship Program partners with Two Sisters and a Book, an after-school program located at Webb School.
Renee Hobson, Two Sisters and a Book owner and director, originally attended school for the medical field but realized after working at an after-school program that she had a calling in education. As she continues her education career, Hobson provides a place for kids to continue learning after school.
"Kids can come to eat, play and learn as well," Hobson stated. "After-school programs help close the gap in some of the academic performance deficiencies that students may have."
The program serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and each day, as students arrive, they head straight to the gym where they have snacks and play games. They then study and do homework in the Webb Historical Museum.
Bethel students help provide a snack to the children and social-emotional support through one-on-one mentoring, academic accountability and tutoring.
Garrett Burns, Director of Community Engagement, said, "The partnership between the Two Sisters and a Book program is beneficial because it provides Bethel students with practical opportunities to step into their professional field while helping local students with their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs."
"By partnering with the Bethel University Community Engagement Program, we are able to help kids academically and build character," Hobson stated.
The Community Engagement Scholarship Program has both a qualitative and quantitative legacy of work in the city of McKenzie and the surrounding areas. For nearly 10 years, the program has sought to be the hands and feet of Christ by serving the "least of these."
The program logs around 3,000 volunteer service hours and has partnered with agencies including the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, the Carroll County Health Department, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Jackson, United Neighbors, Second Harvest Food Bank and local faith-based churches and nonprofits.
To learn more about Two Sisters and a Book, contact Renee Hobson at 2sistersandabook@gmail.com or 731-415-9674.
Contact Garrett Burns to learn more about Bethel University Community Engagement Program.