Community Spotlight: Harvest United Methodist Church Sponsors Samoset Students in Take Stock in Children

Left to right: Steve Price, Catherine Fluck Price, Diana Dill, Michael Corley and Mark Arnold

BRADENTON – Harvest United Methodist Church dedicates their Christmas Eve offering to be shared between a local charity and a global mission. This year the charity blessed is Take Stock in Children of Manatee County (TSIC) with over $17,000 to benefit local children. Pastors Steve Price and Catherine Fluck Price presented the donation to TSIC executive director, Diana Dill, and Harvest members and TSIC board members, Michael Corley and Mark Arnold. 

Through the School District of Manatee County and Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Business Partner in Education initiative, Harvest partners with Samoset Elementary School. The people of Harvest volunteer to read with and mentor students, and provide administrative support and encouragement to teachers. Harvest’s Pack-A-Sack program at Samoset provides 100 students in need with food for every weekend. Harvest donated its $40,000 Christmas Eve offering in 2012 to create a fund that enables school administrators to meet students’ basic needs and allows each student to purchase their very own book through Scholastic Books.

The gift will sponsor two Samoset graduating 5th grade students to join the Take Stock in Children college scholarship and mentoring program. Each student selected will receive a caring mentor from 6th through 12th grade, college and career planning, student advocacy services and a four year college scholarship upon high school graduation. 

Take Stock in Children is a powerful and proven college mentoring and scholarship program for low-income, at-risk students. Students are accepted as early as the sixth grade through an application process. Once the student is selected, the student along with their parent or guardian, sign a performance contract committing to good grades and behavior, remaining drug free and crime free, and most importantly, to meet with a mentor for thirty minutes per week, every week during the school year, on the school campus. 

Upon graduation, as long as the student has maintained their agreement, they receive a 4 year college scholarship. The Take Stock in Children program has a 96% success rate, of keeping students in school, receiving their diploma, attending college and entering the workforce.

Harvest United Methodist Church is a diverse community of faith called by Christ to graciously welcome people, intentionally grow disciples and generously serve others around the globe. For more information, visit www.welcometoharvest.org.