Mustard Seed Challenge Grant

The Mustard Seed Foundation of Chicago, Illinois, has challenged Cincinnati area churches to fund Breakfast Club Mentoring programs. Breakfast Club, a mentoring program of the Council's Education Ministry helps at-risk elementary students develop strong character traits and effective problem solving skills. The Challenge Grant will continue the funding for four Cincinnati elementary schools - Heberle, Vine Street, Hoffman and Clifton.

Foundation representative, Lisa Campbell said, "The Challenge Grant is an incentive for local churches to give. Their support will be matched by our foundation."

The total amount of the Mustard Seed grant will depend upon the level of support the Council receives from area churches. At least two-thirds of the children served do not have a church home. For many of them, Breakfast Club provides the only means they have to learn Christian values and principles.

Breakfast Club (Lunch Bunch and Snac-Pac) Mentoring Programs provide mentors, teachers and Bible stories to help students develop strong characters. In order to participate, students must have parental permission and be referred by their teacher, counselor and principal. Dr. Steven Adamowski, superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools stated, "The Council is providing a great service to the children of Cincinnati."

For the last 11 years, Breakfast Club participants have learned meaningful lessons about character, compassion, love, strength and courage from Bible stories as well as from their teacher, peers, and mentors. The Club serves up to 15 at-risk students for one hour per week, 32 weeks per year; providing a paid teacher, all supplies, five field trips and food.

"It is the best educational value in the city." said Joellen Grady, executive director. "With limited funds, the Council has underwritten these four mentoring programs for many years. And, based upon the numerous calls received from parents and teachers who recognize the difference the program is making in the lives of their children, it is not feasible to discontinue them."

The Council began its education ministry in 1924 with Weekday Released Time Christian Education for students. In 1989, Breakfast Club Mentoring program was instituted to address the needs of at-risk elementary students. The Club later became Lunch Bunch and Snac Pac based on the time of day. Bridges began in 1995 to address the needs of adolescents.

Today, our education programs are in 21 Cincinnati public schools, four Norwood elementary schools, St. Bernard elementary, Winton Woods Middle School, and in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. For information on sponsorship of this valuable program, or to be a volunteer mentor, call 513-559-3151.

[Home] [About CCC] [Council Members] [News & Events]
[Education Ministries] [Justice Ministries] [How to Help]
[Contact Us] [Contents] [Privacy/Legal]

Last Updated 9/14/2002
Copyright © 2001-2002, Council of Christian Communions
 7030 Reading Rd., Suite 642, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237-3839
 All Rights Reserved

Comments or questions about this site can be directed to our Webmaster.
This site has been designed, constructed and kindly donated by: