From press and staff reports

On Thursday, December 18, the Louisville Community Services, Inc. (LCS) kicked off the holiday season with a Christmas dinner/party for the students, tutors, their family members, and other supporters of the programs sponsored by the LCS. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Rev. Sammie Cooper expressed sincere appreciation to all those attending the event and especially the parents who entrust their children to the care of the ASAP tutors and staff. "We have truly been blessed this year, with our lovely offices and tutoring spaces, parents and others in the community who are supportive of our programs, and tutors who are committed to meeting the obligations they have made for the benefit of young people," Rev. Cooper stated. We do have a few tutoring slots available, and we continue to solicit donations (they are tax deductible) and more committed tutors," she continued.

Rev. Cooper emphasized that the After School Assistance Program is available for parents who are concerned about their child's academics, and who desire specialized attention to their child's needs. "We are all about academics here; even when we are having fun, we are still focusing on academics. It is our goal to ensure that each child is ready for his/her classes the next day - with homework that is completed, correct, and understood by the student. We focus on each day's homework so that the student will not get further behind, although he/she may be struggling with one area of his/her school work. Once the homework is completed and checked, then we direct our attention (and the student's) to working on any areas of remedial work as identified by the parents, the teacher, and/or the student."

While ASAP continues to recruit more tutors, the staff has increased with the addition of people who "specialize" in math areas. "We also have people who are here so that the students will have someone to listen to their reading. This is another important area for child development - having someone to listen to them read. We are fortunate, especially lately, with people who desire to help students and make every effort to be here for the students."

Mr. Frank Cooper reiterated these remarks adding, "Based upon feedback from parents, teachers, progress reports, and interim parent/teacher sessions, there is evidence that tutoring is benefiting our students. Overall, we see a change in attitude and confidence, as well as grades. Tutoring also involves mentoring and counseling to help each student become a well-rounded person and perform at his/her highest level. We see too many students who become involved in illegal activity simply because of poor self-esteem, which in many cases stem from poor academic progress. We want to change that. We have seen that tutoring has kept some students from becoming school drop-outs, and we need to do more."

Mr. Cooper continued, "In 2009, LCS will expand its programs to include literacy classes for adults. "We are offering sessions in reading, writing, and arithmetic (the 3R's), to help adults become more proficient in these areas," he stated. "We find that many adults recognize that they can become better citizens, parents, and community leaders when they feel confident and comfortable with their educational progress. It is our mission to provide this avenue to the residents of Winston County." During 2008, LCS provided an employment workshop that discussed ways to seek, find, and keep a job in the Winston County area. Mr. Cooper pointed out that LCS plans to hold other sessions to help people seek, find and keep a job. "We are very aware of the poor economic picture in the country as a hold, and know that the effects are more pervasive in Winston County. We hope to be a catalyst to change that picture, using whatever means are available to us."

Louisville Community Services, Inc. is a community based organization that advocates for low and moderate-income families. Anyone needing further information can call 662/736-2994. LCS is located at 320 North Church Avenue.