Photo: (L-R). Front Row: Duane Long, Kernersville Foundation, presents a check to Wanda Lawrence, Center of Hope. Second row: Kylan Washington, Tiara Lawrence, Kam Washington, Reggie Whitley. Back row: John Ford, Brian Stewart, Tryston Lawrence, Mike Shaw, Dona Neal, Aydon Washington, and Tyrone Lawrence.
The Kernersville Foundation recently provided $1,500 in support for a summer program operated by the Center of Hope. The free summer program is designed for up to 20 boys, ages 9-11. The program is entitled “Strong Minds Crew, with the goal of helping boys make rational decisions, learn how to handle conflict situations, and to build self-esteem. The program is under the direction of Evangelist Wanda Lawrence. Lawrence said, “In today’s world, this is a much-needed skill, helping people to resolve disagreements peacefully. We have seen too many instances that resort to aggression, depression, or suicide.”
The Strong Minds Crew meets once a week for six weeks, and addresses the key topics: (1) Building emotional awareness and self-control; (2) Develop confidence in oneself through effort; (3) Strengthening critical thinking and decision-making; (4) Developing positive peer relationships; (5) Encourage responsibility and accountability; (6) Build resilience and mental toughness; (7) develop communication skills; (8) Create a sense of belonging and identity.
Participation in the program is free, including one meal on meeting days. It also includes snacks, materials, program leadership, t-shirt, and a class outing. The program will begin in early July and conclude before the beginning of the school year. For more information and to register for the program, contact Wanda Lawrence at (336) 547 0251 or send an email to: [email protected].
The Strong Minds Crew is an important outreach program of the Center of Hope, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit located in Kernersville. The mission of The Center of HOPE is to “give opportunities for people in the community who have experienced difficult life situations, and to empower them to have life –changing experiences.” The Center of Hope is an outreach ministry that began in November 2011.
The Kernersville Foundation is making grants to 13 nonprofit organizations in the Kernersville community this year. Applications for next year will be accepted March 1-31, 2027. Funded organizations must be 501c 3 nonprofit organizations with a presence in Kernersville. The Kernersville Foundation urges the community to support this outreach program. If you wish to make a contribution, send checks to PO Box 53, Kernersville, NC 27285-0053.