Henderson of Covenant Presbyterian Church and Dr. Clifford Jones of
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will be leading members of their
houses of worship to Turning Point Academy (2300 W. Sugar Creek Road
Charlotte, NC 28262) for a day of service to honor the memory of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students shared their
input about what they wanted from this project and members of these
religious institutions will gather to turn an unused green space into
an outdoor garden, basketball court and art wall.
Turning Point Academy was established to provide an alternative
education for children who are unable to succeed in a traditional
classroom environment. The school provides an alternative type of
curriculum to re-engage students, creating the "turning point" that
allows them to matriculate back into a traditional. This natural
environment will activate all senses of each student and give them the
chance to explore, dream and discover in an innovative way.
"This setting is the first time that three diverse houses of worship
have come together to share a common goal… to deliver back to the
community as one group," said Ken Jackowitz, Temple Israel co-
chairperson of the event. "An event of this magnitude could not occur
without the help of many organizations."
The Home Depot Foundation partnered with CMS and provided a grant for
project materials and volunteers. REA Contracting is providing the
labor and materials to install a new asphalt basketball court. The
Charlotte Community ToolBank is lending out tools for the project.
AmeriCorps members from Habitat Charlotte provided design, planning,
and construction leadership throughout the project. Hands on Charlotte
is providing project management and leadership sessions. Wallace Farm
is providing soil for the garden planters. The city of Charlotte is
providing wood chips for use in the garden. Don Rosenberg from Instant
Organic Garden served as a garden consultant and will work with the
teachers and parents in planting the garden.
"Dr. King taught us "intelligence plus character - that is the goal of
true education," said Turning Point Academy Principal Valoria Burch.
"During this MLK Day project, our students can observe so many valued
partners demonstrating the power of character – their willingness to
help others."
