H177@?JOY y Ea sle y • Ph oto gr ap h y by Kr is ten L y o ECEMBER IS A SEASON FOR INDIVIDUALS TO open their hearts to those around them. For fifteen years, members at Ninth Street Church of Christ have purposed to accomplish this task year round through their JOY ministry. After school, Monday through Thursday, volunteers give their time and efforts to mentor and tutor students. The goal is for students to end the school year with more confidence and gain the skills needed to be successful, not only in the classroom, but as citizens in the community. Heather Price, teacher at Morgan Elementary, testifies to the ministry’s effectiveness within the classroom. “After attending the tutoring program, students walk into my classroom prepared. Their homework is complete and they are ready to start the day.” Heather not only serves as classroom teacher but is also a member of Ninth Street Church of Christ and has volunteered for the tutoring program for many years. The lessons students receive go beyond improving academics. Heather explains, “Not only are students assisted with homework and academics at Ninth Street, but students are taught about the Bible, social skills, and how to be a good citizen by following Ta y l o r } the rules and being a leader. All these lessons taught during the tutoring program have an impact on the students’ behavior at school, church, home, and out in the community.” Students experience growth beyond the classroom. Heather explains, “One student, in particular, gained a better sense of self while attending Ninth Street’s tutoring program through the social hour. She was able to open up about personal issues and find comfort knowing that we, the volunteers at church, cared about her in every aspect, not just academically.” Many times, students possess poor attitudes toward school, others, and themselves. They sometimes internalize feelings of inadequacy, and as a result, react in anger or frustration. This, in turn, manifests itself as behavior issues in the classroom and at home. Sal Patterson, member of Ninth Street Church of Christ, volunteers for the program. He sees the frustration in the children change over time. “Students come in angry or disappointed, but in the end, leave calm. They realize they can think things through instead of reacting. We try to teach them there are other means of expressing yourself without responding or lashing out.” Joy Ministry Volunteers 104 DECEMBER 2019 PROMOTING EVENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE INTHEVUE.COM