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Hardworking, dedicated, enthusiastic, and driven....these are a few of the adjectives used to describe FirstWorks Executive Director, Rev. Birgitte T. French when she was recently honored as one of "12 Who Make a Difference" in Memphis.
Rev. French, also known as "Pastor Bee", leads the FirstWorks After School Academic Program for inner city children from Memphis' poorest zip codes. Additionally, she operates a food pantry and clothes closet for the families of these children.
Enlisting the help of Memphis City School teachers and numerous volunteers and churches, FirstWorks meets twice a week in the evening and on Saturdays at Union Avenue United Methodist Church.
The children are brought to the church by the FirstWorks bus and welcomed into a loving and motivating atmosphere where they enjoy a nutritious meal provided by volunteers. Following dinner, the children are tutored and helped with school projects. Special guest speakers visit with the children once a month to talk about their futures and career choices.
Saturdays the children are invited by sponsoring churches to attend sports and entertainment activities.
Since 1988, FirstWorks, a 501 C 3 mission, has been reaching out and embracing near-homeless children who live in dire poverty.
These children, grades 1 - 12, are referred to the program by Memphis City School counselors. They are chosen for the program because they have little support at home, but have the intellectual capability to achieve great things in life.
Pastor Bee said of this vital program, "At FirstWorks, these children get a chance to relax in a safe and encouraging place. Here they can enjoy positive relationships with caring adults who become role models for these impressionable young people. FirstWorks is where the children have a chance to be themselves and dream, dream big. They have a bright future ahead of them."
When told she was chosen by the Commercial Appeal as one of the "12 Who Make A Difference in Memphis", Pastor Bee said, "I am very humbled by this honor. It is a joy to work with these kids."]]>
On the first Sunday of February Senior Pastor Rev. Rick Kirchoff challenged his congregation at Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC) to dig deep when contributing to the communion offering.
That particular Sunday the money collected would be donated to the FirstWorks After School Academic Program for inner city kids.
Additionally, Rev. Kirchoff had been informed that one generous and anonymous family was offering to double any contributions made to FirstWorks.
As a result of the congregation's heart for giving and the anonymous benefactor, FirstWorks received $11,520.40 for the kids enrolled in this vital program.
In a statement from the Rev. Kirchoff to his congregation posted on the GUMC web site, he said, "Thank you! Thank you! Amazing! I know that FirstWorks Executive Director Rev. Birgitte French, "Pastor Bee," the volunteers, and the young people who are part of this ministry are deeply grateful to all of you."
Pastor Bee couldn't wait to tell the FirstWorks kids about the kindness of GUMC. Upon hearing the news, the children and volunteers burst into applause. That evening after homework was completed, the children created colorful "thank you" cards to send to Rev. Kirchoff and his church.
This contribution will help support the FirstWorks teachers' salaries as well as transportation costs for the children.
FirstWorks, Inc., a 501C3 mission, enrolls at-risk, near-homeless children and youth from downtown ZIP codes.
The children are referred to the program by Memphis City School teachers and counselors. These children are intelligent and capable, but may not have the parental and financial support needed to succeed in life.
Two evenings a week the children are brought to Union Avenue United Methodist Church by the FirstWorks bus for a nutritious, hot dinner served by volunteers, followed by tutoring and homework assistance.
The children benefit from visiting with motivational speakers and meet with career experts to help guide them on their future path.
On Saturdays, the children are treated to sports, entertainment and educational outings such as skating, fishing, movies, and museums.
At FirstWorks, the children are welcomed into a safe and encouraging environment and spend time with positive adult role models.]]>
Members from Collierville United Methodist Church (CUMC) spent a fun and rewarding evening at the FirstWorks After School Academic Program on February 11, 2010.
The children enrolled in the program are bused to Union Avenue United Methodist Church from downtown's poorest zip codes two evenings a week and on Saturdays.
Upon arrival, they eagerly jump off the FirstWorks bus ready to enjoy a good meal, fellowship and tutoring.
The children are greeted with hugs from teachers, staff and volunteers, along with a gentle reminder from Executive Director, Rev. Birgitte T. French, "Pastor Bee," saying, "Don't forget to wash your hands!" as the evening begins.
The meal blessing, which is sung loudly and energetically by everyone in the dinning hall, "Thank you Lord for giving us food, thank you Lord for giving us food, thank you Lord for giving us food, right where we are, AMEN!" precedes the introduction of the evening's "Kitchen Angels."
The kitchen angels are various churches, groups and individuals who cook and serve dinner for FirstWorks.
On this evening the Kitchen Angels were members from Collierville United Methodist Church, lead by Mike Piercey, who teaches the Emmaus Sunday School class.
Preparing and serving a hot dinner to approximately 75, most of whom are hungry children, takes organization, patience and humor. The Collierville group displayed all three traits as they formed an assembly line in the church kitchen and got the meals out without a hitch.
Mike Piercey commented, "Several of our Sunday School class's families got together and prepared a meal to share with the children, staff, and volunteers at First Works. We went there to serve others... but we were the ones who received the gift of warmth and enthusiasm from both the children and the program's volunteers. We will be looking forward to coming back again in the future!"
FirstWorks, a 501 C 3 mission, enrolls at-risk, near-homeless children and youth, grades 1 - 12, who are referred to the program by Memphis City School counselors. The program also supports a food pantry and clothes closet for the families of these children.
To donate, volunteer or find out more, please call 901.526.8228.]]>
Down the narrow, winding city avenue the large white and green school bus bounced along as it navigated between parked cars on both sides of the street.
As the bus pulled to a stop, one honk on the familiar horn and children ran out of their homes with their arms bear, in stocking feet - too excited to put on their shoes.
On this cold and windy Saturday morning, the children know that the Firstworks bus is scheduled to stop by their house to bring a touch of "Christmas" to them and their families.
Stop after stop at each of these downtown Memphis homes, the FirstWorks staff and volunteers, jumped out of their vehicles to unload every gift longed for on the children's "wish list."
Bikes, skateboards, games, stuffed animals, building blocks, puzzles, playing cards, radios, books, warm clothing, sleeping bags....and some children even received new wooden bunk beds. Additionally, each family was treated to a large food basket and frozen turkey to prepare for the holidays.
Smiles, hugs and wishes for a "Merry Christmas from FirstWorks!" left each household a little warmer and brighter as the bus pulled away.
Rev. Birgitte T. French, FirstWorks Executive Director, said of this annual excursion of goodwill and generosity, "So many churches, businesses, book clubs, and individuals throughout Shelby County and beyond donated gifts and food for the kids enrolled in the after-school program this year....and the list of supporters gets longer and longer.
We thank each and every one of them for helping to make these children and their families feel loved and cared for this Christmas!"
Contributing to this Christmas caravan of gifts and food baskets included: Christopher Cooley, DDS and his staff, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Holy Communion Presbyterian Church and Book Club, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Biochemical Post Doctors, Collierville United Methodist Church, Germantown United Methodist Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Union Ave United Methodist Church, Jackson Shoe Store, FirstWorks volunteers, PEO AA group from Germantown, and Mullins United Methodist Church. ]]>
Members of Collierville United Methodist Church (CUMC) brought the love, hope and warmth of the Christmas season to 50 at-risk inner city children when they dropped by to serve dinner, create crafts, and sing holiday songs at the FirstWorks After School Program.
An academic program for children and youth, grades 1 - 12, FirstWorks enrolls at-risk, poverty level children from downtown zip codes and meets twice a week for dinner, tutoring, career counseling, life-skill lessons and visits from inspirational speakers.
The aroma of a delicious home-cooked meal, a welcoming smile and a big hug welcomed the children as they jumped off the FirstWorks bus at Union Avenue United Methodist Church - excited about the evening's upcoming events.
"Kitchen Angels" from Collierville United Methodist Church had been cooking for several hours preparing a healthy meal of spaghetti, salad, punch and cupcakes for these excited and hungry school age children.
Following the meal and fellowship, the children were entertained by the energizing sounds of the Collierville UMC Youth Praise Band as they performed upbeat Christmas classics while encouraging the children to sing and dance along with them.
After the entertainment, the children broke off into their classrooms to meet with Collierville UMC members, regular volunteers, and their teachers to create Christmas crafts, listen to holiday stories, and best of all... tear open Christmas presents!
Kris Konsowitz, CUMC Director of Ministries with Young People, commented on the magical night with FirstWorks, "It was such a blessing to all of our volunteers, youth, parents and siblings to cook dinner and provide Christmas crafts for the children. Our Youth Praise Band, under the direction of Brittany Goodrich and Carter Baldwin, practiced for several weeks learning Christmas songs for this event. Everyone had a wonderful time and we look forward to serving at FirstWorks again soon!"]]>
On Sunday, December 13th, 2009 members of Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC) became Christmas "elves" as they packed a U-Haul van to the brim loaded with presents for 17 inner city FirstWorks families they had "adopted" this holiday season.
FirstWorks, located at Union Avenue United Methodist Church, 2117 Union, is a 501 C 3 mission that includes an academic after school program for at-risk children from downtown Memphis, a MIFA food pantry and a clothes closet.
As the Germantown "elves" unloaded their gifts at Union Avenue UMC, one could see shiny new bicycles, skateboards, beautifully wrapped toys and games for children of all ages, bundles of warm winter clothing and even wooden new bunk beds that would be excitedly unwrapped on Christmas morning.
All of the presents donated by GUMC and other churches, businesses and individuals, will be delivered to the FirstWorks families Saturday, December 19, 2009.
Karen Oppenheim, a GUMC member, FirstWorks Board Member and "elf" for the day, commented on this annual event, "It is amazing how much people want to give to those less fortunate, even in this uncertain economy. We are so very happy to share a little Christmas with others that are in need at this time of the year."
GUMC has been spreading the love and warmth of Christmas by "adopting" FirstWorks families for over 10 years now. Ever year this generous congregation increases the number of families they adopt.
To find out more about FirstWorks, to donate or volunteer, please visit:www...firstworks.org or call 901.526.8228.]]>
Name: "Kendarious Williams"
Hometown: "Memphis, TN"
Family: "James Williams, Ashley Ojil, Justin Moore"
School: "Georgia Avenue Elementary School, 3rd grade."
Faith: "I go to First United Methodist Church and I am in Miss Laura's Sunday school class."
Accomplishments: "I am an good student. I like to learn new things. I make good grades!"
Personal Heroes: "President Barack Obama, my Aunt Pearl, and my Aunt Jo Ann"
Favorite Books: "I love all books!"
Favorite Movie: "Batman" and "Batman, The Dark Knight"
Favorite Song: "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly
What I Do For Fun: "I like to play outside. I like to play video games inside. I like to read and do my homework. I like to come to FirstWorks and play with my best friend, James (Austin)"
What is the best thing about being a kid? "We get to have a lot of fun and make new friends."
People might be surprised to know.... "I am a very special boy."
If I could change one thing in the world.... "Everyone could have enough to eat and have enough money to buy groceries."
Goals for the future...."I want to be an artist and a police officer."]]>
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Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare North Hospital's 5th floor staff opened their hearts and cupboards to ensure one needy family had a real Thanksgiving this year.
In early November, Marie Thompkins, BSN, RN, 5th floor Patient Care Coordinator, wanted to start a food drive for a family in need.
Through the Methodist North Chaplains, she was referred to FirstWorks, a 501 C 3 mission program for inner city children and youth and their families. FirstWorks includes a food pantry, clothes closet and after school program for at-risk children and youth and their families.
Firstworks Executive Director, Rev. Birgitte T. French (Pastor Bee) worked with Marie to identify a deserving family that would most benefit from a food drive.
For several days the 5th floor staff generously brought in canned goods, cake mixes, a large turkey, a roasting pan, and other non-perishable foods to contribute to this Thanksgiving effort.
The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the 5th floor staff presented the bountiful basket to Pastor Bee for delivery to the family.
Upon meeting the staff, Pastor Bee enthusiastically thanked everyone who contributed and let them know that their generous efforts would be greatly appreciated by this particular FirstWorks family.
She told the staff their donated food would feed a single mother, who has been out of prison for a year and who now has a job, and her 3 children.
Thanks to Marie Tompkins and her 5th floor staff, one special family will feel the warmth of Thanksgiving and have good healthy food to eat during the holidays. ]]>
12/9/09 | Memphis, TN
On a cold and clear Saturday morning, approximately 150 residents in the Annesdale-Snowden Neighborhood Association started their day by filling white plastic bags with non-perishable foods and gently used clothing to help restock the FirstWorks Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.
FirstWorks, a 501 C 3 mission for at-risk children and their families from downtown Memphis, is located at Union Avenue United Methodist Church. The mission includes an after school academic program for children and youth and a MIFA food pantry and clothes closet.
This is the second annual food / clothing drive organized by Ian Randolph, a resident in the neighborhood and FirstWorks board member, and JoAnne Turnage, president of the Annesdale-Snowden Neighborhood Association.
Neighbors were sent an email by Ms. Turnage asking them to consider contributing to this worthwhile endeavor. And to make it as easy as possible and encourage participation, grocery bag, donated by Schnuck's Grocery, were left on each porch the Friday before the Saturday morning pick up.
Ian Randolph and his daughter, Amira, drove from house to house Saturday morning collecting bag after bag of non-perishable food, disposable diapers, clothing and cash donations.
The unselfish generosity of the Annesdale-Snowden neighbors will help feed and clothe hundreds of inner city families during these cold winter months.
Ian Randolph is available to help other neighborhood associations organize their own food / clothing drives for FirstWorks. If your neighborhood is interested, please contact Mr. Randolph through Rev. Birgitte T. French, FirstWorks Executive Director, at 901.526.8228 or visit www.firstworks.org.]]>
We welcome the opportunity to tell your group about all of the exciting things that are happening at FirstWorks. To schedule an event with one of our speakers, please call 526-8228 and speak with Pastor Bee.
"Pastor Bee" as she is affectionately called, is an ordained Methodist minister with multiple degrees, including a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Originally from Denmark, Pastor Bee also served many years as a missionary in Africa.
She has been FirstWorks' Executive Director for over two years and was responsible for the Food Pantry opening its doors just four weeks after a horrific fire destroyed the former location at First United Methodist Church.
The mother of two teenagers, Pastor Bee brings an insightful understanding of Memphis' inner-city issues and has developed a close, caring relationship with the children in the FIrstWorks' Children's Program and their families. Pastor Bee also serves as Campus Minister at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
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