Resources + Needs = Connections from CSM!

Norman and Janet Dixon with Oliver Elementary students in the STAIR program

CSM is out in the community to create lasting change by connecting resources with needs. For the last four years, we have been a partner of Oliver Elementary’s STAIR (Start the Adventure in Reading) program with Independent Presbyterian Church. Norman and Janet Dixon, a part of the CSM volunteer family, have been the site directors at Oliver for just as long. Over the last four years, we have had the privilege of tutoring second grade students at Oliver to watch their reading levels go from sub-par to ready to knock 3rd grade out of the park!

Norman Dixon teaches and disciples

Eula Jackson with kids
she has poured into all year

Each year we have worked with Norman and Janet to recruit volunteer tutors to help out on Mondays or Wednesdays for one hour of one-on-one tutoring with a second grade student! The more tutors we recruit, the more students we can serve!

This year in particular, has brought with it an even deeper level of engagement between CSM relationships and the students at Oliver Elementary School. We have seen fifteen CSM volunteers, including Eula Jackson, go from partnerships with us to relationships with some awesome second grade students kids!

The impact that 15 volunteers can have on 15 kids struggling in reading is exponential! Because of partnerships with IPC, Oliver Elementary, STAIR, the Dixon's and with our fantastic volunteer base, we are continuing to grow not only our ministry, but ministries that are having incredible kingdom impact in the lives of adults, children and families throughout the city! CSM loves our students, we love our teachers and we love our volunteers!

Michael Bowen tutors with STAIR every week