Village of Promise is a Huntsville, AL non-profit organization, founded by Bobby Bradley and Gloria Batts, whose mission is to eradicate generational poverty one neighborhood at a time. Along with their collaborative partners, they provide wrap-around services from cradle to college including early childhood education, tutoring, mentoring, and much more.
Services offered (via the Village’s website):
Infant University: Four courses of a nine week program that provides tools to expectant and new parents on the care, education, and effective discipline of their infants and children up to age 4. These families are invested in raising happy and healthy children. Their children will be ready to learn and succeed when they enter school. They will have the readiness skills required for kindergarten. This program is centered on the TouchPoints curriculum developed by noted pediatrician and author Dr. T. Berry Brazelton. Partners: Calhoun Community College, Huntsville City Schools, Huntsville Hospital, National Children’s Advocacy Center, United Way of Madison County.
Next Steps: A program for parents to continue learning about child development, community action and involvement with the whole family. These families will socialize and learn together as we discuss topics relating to school preparation, nutrition, family time, history and community. Partners: Greengage School, United Cerebral Palsy, United Way of Madison County.
Before School Bible Class: Before School Bible Class is offered to children 1st through 6th grades during the school year at Montview Elementary. The Bible program is taught by talented and devoted volunteer teachers who strive to instill character and spiritual development by sharing stories and songs from the Bible. There is an emphasis on readiness to learn, behavior, and school attendance. These classes provide an environment for the creation of meaningful relationships within the home, the school, and the community. The children in this program have the opportunity to be in the Village of Promise pipeline.
Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School: An 8 week course offered for free to children from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade to children from both University Place Elementary and Montview Elementary School during the summer. Freedom School provides summer and after school enrichment that supports children and families around 5 essential components: high quality academic enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic participation, social action, intergenerational leadership development and health maintenance (both mental and physical). Children are more motivated to read and have a much more positive outlook on learning. Their families are connected to the resources of the community. This program is in partnership with community based organizations, faith institutions, city schools, colleges and universities. Partners: Huntsville City Schools, i3Cares, 100X Church, Trinity United Methodist Church.
Kindergarten Tutoring: A curriculum that has been designed specifically for kindergarten students with deficits in reading and math. The highly trained tutors use a variety of learning and encouragement strategies to help our students improve their reading and math skills to grade level and above.
Strings That Sing: A 13 week course of violin instruction for all second graders at University Place Elementary during the school day. In 3rd through 5th grades, the lessons are given after school. Village of Promise provides the violins and the instructor fees. This program is designed to enhance the students’ academic performance and expand their cultural experience. The course introduces our students to the musical intricacies of the violin and its power to motivate one to enjoy music for a lifetime. Partner: Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Teachers Are Terrific!: An exciting commitment to our teachers at University Place Elementary School and Montview Elementary School. Volunteers and professionals help the teachers in the classroom and try to assist the classroom teacher in any way possible. Meals and supplies are often provided.
Village Of Promise-Randolph School Challenge: Elementary, middle and high school students are challenged in 4 disciplines: math and oratory (elementary), debate (middle school), and entrepreneurship (high school). Students in each area compete on mixed teams in the spring after rigorous training with our volunteers twice week during the school year. Any school is welcome to compete in this event that celebrates academic excellence.
High School Scholars Program: The primary focus of the High School Success Program is to assist scholars with becoming prepared for college. Scholars will participate in a wide range of experiences to become knowledgeable about the expectations of college and be prepared to navigate the college processes to achieve success.
Want to get involved?
You can contact Bernadette Williams at bwillliams@villagepromise.com to find out how. Here are just a few ways:
Kindergarten Tutoring – Montview Elementary School
Tutoring for this age group will be done during the school day. Training is provided prior to the beginning of tutoring.
Before School Bible Class – Montview
This program takes place Monday-Thursday during the school year from 7:15 a.m.-7:45 a.m. and serves over 100 children from first through fifth grades and on Fridays for kindergarteners. This program serves over 100 students. Spiritual guidance and character building are major components of this program.
Village of Promise-Randolph Academic Challenge Prep
Students participate in math and oratorical competitions throughout the school year. Tutors are needed to work with students to prepare for the competition which will take place in May. You may choose the area that you would like to mentor, math or oratory. Math competition prep includes drills and exercises for math calculations. Oratory prep includes supporting the student in writing and presenting a speech. Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Training is provided.
Friday Read Aloud
Volunteers are invited to read to a class of children during the school year on the first and third Friday of each month. Reading time is approximately 30 minutes.
After School Tutoring – University Place Elementary
Tutors are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays to work with children on their math and reading skills and to provide homework help when needed. Tutoring will be conducted from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m throughout the school year.
Want to learn more? Visit their website at villagepromise.com, call 256-536-8052, or find them on Twitter (@VillagePromise) and Facebook.
