Send resume', including references to: 

Rev. James Large, 11816 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112

Saranam S.T.A.R. Program
BY Debra Maese 

     As vibrant as our Saranam universe was, all who looked up at its wondrous beauty saw a space that needed to be filled. There was a hole in our universe. What better way to fill that dark hole than by bringing forth another wondrous star made brilliant by the smiles of our children? With the help of many volunteers who opened their hearts and hands, in September 2015 the Saranam Children's S.T.A.R. (Support, Tutoring And Resources) Center opened. Our open house brought many into our S.T.A.R. Center for the first time to hear about plans to create a parallel learning environment where parents and children come together every Monday to learn and practice Life Skills. Through role play, demonstrations and physical activity, families take new knowledge home and practice the skills necessary to enhance their lives and set a new standard of effectiveness to break the cycle of 

homelessness and poverty for themselves and future generations. 

     Like any newborn star, it shined with a little twinkle. Once the Albuquerque community heard about our S.TA.R., over 80 volunteers raised their hands to help. We value and honor community engagement and believe that volunteer involvement has a positive impact on 

a child's future. Working in partnership with our community, the S.T.A.R. Center provides 

after school activities that meet our Saranam families' specific needs. Our services have 

a strong focus on effective academic enrichment. Retired elementary and high school educators come willingly every Tuesday and Wednesday to provide homework help, lead 

reading circles, engage in conversations, play learning games and identify and provide 

specialized attention to children with special needs. Organizations such as Pearly Whites 

(dentistry), Brown Mackie College (nursing students provided a rotation), UNM Physical 

Therapy (students did a nutrition training), and exercise instructors provide excellent opportunities for our children. Thanks to the generosity of Blue Cross Blue Shield, our children play together and bond for a portion of Monday classes on our KaBoom playground. 

     Other individuals and organizations provide enrichment activities. The Albuquerque Play Conservatory, private theatre and singing instructor Elizabeth Goldfarb, and our wonderful Albuquerque Academy volunteer students (science projects and arts and crafts) make our S.T.A.R. even brighter offering other alternative learning activities that challenge our children and families and make learning fun. 

     Our S.T.A.R Center's depth and dimension is enhanced through our onsite individual and family counseling services provided by Chrysalis Counseling Services and Native American Professional Parent Resources (NAPPR). All volunteers who are 18 years or older are required to submit information for a background check and attend Saranam Safe Sanctuaries training. At the S.T.A.R. Center, in a safe and engaging environment, children learn how to interact with, perceive, influence and relate to others to enhance lives, and promote academic and life success. 

Our children are thriving! 

  Trunk or Treat 101: Helping Your Church Meet The Neighbors

by iParent 

Asbury UMC - ABQ