Faces of Wesley House

Going The Extra Mile

Laila Blackwell

When Tina Brown first enrolled her five year old daughter, Laila, at Wesley House in the after school program she didn’t realize how truly beneficial the program would be.

The after school program has helped Laila overcome her struggles in school by providing her with extra tutoring and homework help. Not only has Wesley House helped Laila with her academics, but they have also provided her with love and friendship. There are “times she doesn’t want to come home, she just loves them so much,” Tina says.

Laila is also a member of the Performing Arts and Cultural Education Program (PACE) at Wesley House. Through PACE, Laila has been given the opportunity to experience music and dance. Tina has seen her daughter’s self-confidence grow immensely as she is able to sing and dance while showcasing her talents at various performances.

As an unemployed, single mother Tina knows how challenging it can be to provide for a child. There are many struggling parents out there like Tina who are in search of a safe place for their child to go. Wesley House is that place. Wesley House works hard to provide each individual child with the necessities they need.

Not only has Wesley House given Laila a safe place to learn and have fun, but they have also provided Tina with additional help during her times of need. Wesley House has been able to provide Tina with financial assistance through clothing, help with Christmas gifts during the holiday season, and assist with program fees by providing a scholarship for her daughter Laila.

This is what makes Wesley House unique. The fact that they are willing to go the extra mile for their kids and their families is something very special here at Wesley House. In the words of Tina Brown herself, “thank you Wesley House” you “have been a blessing to me and my family.”

The Hands of the Lord

Sharon Earl and Sarah Jackson

When Jesus said the meek will inherit the earth, he must have had Sarah Jackson in mind. Elderly and enfeebled by a beating she received several years ago, Sarah lives alone in a poor neighborhood in Knoxville. Fortunately, she also lives within two blocks of Wesley House Community Center, a source of hope and help for her. “If I have a problem, I can call them and get advice,” Sarah said. “My life would be difficult if they weren't there.”

In the Knoxville area, Wesley House probably is better known for the educational work it does with children living in the lower income Mechanicsville, Beaumont and Lonsdale neighborhoods. The ministry also provides meals, social interaction and nursing care for the elderly, however.

With her children living in California, Sarah depends heavily on Wesley House for help with everyday life. Sharon Earl, volunteer coordinator for Wesley House, refers to her elderly neighbor as “my Sarah.”

“The Wesley House is her contact to the outside world,” Earl said. In addition to helping Sarah with insurance, Social Security and food stamp forms, “Sarah sometimes is just very lonely and wants to talk to me. She will even call me to help her decide whether to walk down to the store today,” Earl said.

Sarah said she sees all the good Wesley House does in her neighborhood for children and others, making her even more appreciative of the work done by the organization. “They help me put things in the hands of the Lord,” Sarah said.