Meet Theresa,

Our New JAS/BGC Director!!

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, Theresa Esslinger, as the new Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Club at Jarvis. I have been with the Boys & Girls Club since September 2006, working first as a tutor through AmeriCorps at the Farmville Unit, then as an assistant in the administrative office at the Minges Unit on Fire Tower Road. This is my senior year at East Carolina University, at the end of which I will be graduating with a degree in Business Management.

I have a genuine passion for safe and educational child care. My goal is to make the Boys & Girls Club at Jarvis a place where you feel comfortable sending your child/children, and create an enjoyable atmosphere the children desire to be in."

I am pleased to announce we have almost tripled out attendance since I arrived in late July 2008! I can remember on my first day as Unit Director we had a daily attendance of 20 members, but are now currently averaging 48 children daily. We have a total of 88 members enrolled for 2008, and are hoping to add to our numbers!

A big thank you to the staff, children, parents, and volunteers for aiding in out expansion here at the Jarvis Unit of the Boys & Girls Club!

For the latest news about JARVIS AFTER SCHOOL, CLICK HERE!

Introducing the Jarvis After School/Boys and Girls Club Staff:

Meet Amanda Leggett!

I would like to introduce myself as the new Social Work Intern here at the Jarvis Memorial extension of the Pitt County Boys & Girls Club. I am working on my Master’s degree in Social Work from East Carolina University, for which my internship will be completed in May. Until then I will be assisting the staff here to help identify and work with children whom are facing difficulties and may benefit from extra, one-on-one attention. I received my Associate’s degree in Human Services Technology in 2005 from Pitt Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s in Social Work from East Carolina University in 2007. I have experience working with children and adolescents in the fields of developmental disabilities and mental health. I love children and believe is it important for them to have a nurturing environment in which to flourish, something I hope I can contribute to during my time here. I am looking forward to a great school year!            Amanda

Meet Darnell Barnes!!!

Born and raised in Rocky Mount North Carolina

Attended East Carolina University and received a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Sports Science 2005

Currently finishing up Masters Degree in Sports Management 2008

Youth Leader at Red Budd Holy Church in Rocky Mount North Carolina

I am all about sports, physical activities, and the development of young people. Also I have a special place in my heart for kids and young adults. Sports have been a part of my life from a child up and I plan to continue with sports as professional career. I plan to help the Boys & Girls club become a safe and fun place to come after school and during the summer. I also plan to implement the importance of physical fitness and developing an active lifestyle.

Darnell

Meet Leslie Perkinson!

My name is Leslie Perkinson and I knew growing up that I always wanted to help people. I was always the person to take charge. I am currently majoring in Respiratory Therapy at Pitt Community College. My job and my school are my inspiration for motivation. The Boys and Girls Club is in for a really exciting year here at Jarvis. The kids at Boys and Girls Club are going to learn about self-esteem,friendship,respect,and education in which,they can all enjoy. I work with the kids in the computer lab. We are going to be focusing on proper computer use,program use,typing skills,and how to do educational research on the Internet. The staff is here. The program is ready. So,please come join us!

Leslie

"JARVIS AFTER SCHOOL"

is an outreach ministry to the families and children in the community surrounding Jarvis Church.   The program is now directed by Theresa Esslinger of the Boys & Girls Club with a professional support staff also from BGC.  As always, the success of the program will depend on an able and willing crew of  volunteers from the church family.  Children receive opportunities for Christian growth and development of life skills in a safe, healthy, and diverse environment. 

"JARVIS AFTER SCHOOL" provides after school learning, recreational, and spiritual growth opportunities for children living in downtown Greenville.  Many of these children are "at risk".  Transportation is provided from school to the church via bus at no cost by the Pitt County School System.  Current enrollment is 87 children with a target enrollment of 100.  The program runs weekly, Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m during the school year.   During the summer and on some holidays, the program will operate all day, 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  To participate, children must be registered with the Boys and Girls Club and are expected to pay a small tuition fee. 

The program to be offered these children is varied and exciting!  In addition to homework assistance and tutoring, children will enjoy directed recreation and sports activities in our beautiful Taft Christian Life Center Gym and on our playground.  Field trips will be a regular part of the JAS/BGC experience, and our Jarvis Computer Lab, which is to be retro-fitted with newer PC's, peripherals, and software, will be used regularly by the children.  Of course, an important part of each day's activities will be opportunities for spiritual growth.  Bible study and devotionals will be offered daily.

FUN is a big part of Jarvis After School!

Click here to see videos of the children "step dancing" with student mentors from ECU. (Note: These videos are Windows Media files.  To view them, you must have Windows Media Player, a free download)

Video 1

Video 2

Jarvis Memorial has long been proud of its JAS program.  The program has been recognized for its excellence by the city of Greenville, and children who have come up through "JAS" frequently are "at the top of their class" in the public schools.  In the 1950's when Jarvis Memorial made the difficult decision to remodel/rebuild its sanctuary/education building complex, a commitment was made to remain downtown and find ways to creatively minister there.  The JAS/BGC PROGRAM is an example of this commitment to the inner city.   The program was proposed by then-Pastor Tom Holtsclaw in October of 2000 and a committee was appointed to flesh out a mission and vision for the program.  The program was officially adopted by the Administrative Council of Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church in July 2002 and a decision was made that the church form a relationship with Sadie Saulter Elementary School.     

If you have children that you like enrolled in the "Jarvis After School/Boys and Girls Club" Program,

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

Volunteer teachers and adults to provide one-on-one help and supervision are needed to support the work of "Jarvis After School".  There is also a frequent need for soft drinks and other snack and paper items. 

For more information, or to find out how you can help the work of Jarvis After School,

CLICK HERE To Send Us an Email!