Birmingham after-school program recognized

Birmingham after-school program recognized

Discovery Clubs of Alabama (DCA), a partner in ministry with Birmingham Baptist Association, was recently recognized by the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office, Division of Youth Services, with this year’s first Programs That Work Award.

An after-school program headed by Executive Director John Glasser, DCA offers a biblical approach to teaching second- through fifth-graders about character, morals and good decision making. The staff and volunteers work with local churches, school administrators and parents to make participation easy and accessible.

“DCA is having a tremendous impact on the schools and the students,” said Bob Curlee, a retired Alabama Baptist pastor, now DCA’s church recruiter. “The principals and parents laud our efforts to teach children values and character. We pray that at an early age, [these children] will accept Christ and become active in church.”

Curlee estimated that 15 Birmingham Baptist churches support the 5-year-old program’s work in various ways.

Programs That Work recognizes programs that are making a difference in the lives of Birmingham’s youth. Awards are given throughout the year to outstanding nonprofit organizations offering such services as mentoring, faith-based initiatives, education, family services, health and wellness, workforce development, cultural arts and athletics and recreation.

To nominate deserving organizations for Programs That Work Awards, contact Division of Youth Services Executive Director Cedric D. Sparks Sr. or Public Information Officer Beverly Meadows at 205-320-0879. For more information, call 205-941-9852 or visit www.discoveryclubsofal.org.