Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Carrie Yoder, Executive Director of Project Transformation Tennessee, who highlights the nonprofit organization's mission and efforts to transform communities by engaging children, college-age young adults, and churches in purposeful relationships. Based on a model founded in 1998 in Dallas, Texas, Project Transformation Tennessee launched its first summer program in 2012. The program model is designed to address three unique challenges with one program: 1) how to meet the academic, physical, social-emotional, and spiritual needs of children, 2) how to provide meaningful ways for college-age young adults to explore ministry opportunities and develop as young principled leaders for the church and the world; and 3) how to help churches connect with their communities.

During the interview, Carrie discusses the unique and intentional model that serves children, college students, and communities. She talks about their summer camps for children that focus on literacy and social-emotional health, while also providing college students with work experience and vocational guidance. Camp is offered for rising 1st grade - rising 8th grade youth and located in Madison, Antioch, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Memphis. Local churches and community members are involved as volunteers, fostering relationships within neighborhoods. The summer camps operate for eight weeks, offering daily activities including reading, arts, and movement. College students are recruited to work at the camps, receiving training, housing, and stipends. Carrie shares positive feedback from parents, college students, and community members about the program's impact and invites the community to get involved by enrolling children, referring college students for the paid internships, volunteering to read with children or mentor young adults, and supporting the organization through donations or providing supplies from their wish list.

Visit https://projecttransformation.org/ten... to learn more and get involved with Project Transformation Tennessee.