Triangle church transforms into free virtual learning centers

A local church has been transformed into a learning center, helping parents for free as virtual classes continue. The initiative launched Monday in Apex, Raleigh, Morrisville and Garner at Hope Community Church.

It’s a unique sight to see. Church spaces have been flipped into portable classrooms.

“We’ve got these buildings that are sitting empty and there’s a need out there,” said Don Smith, the executive director of Creative Ministries.

Inside, each shared table has plastic partitions that are socially distant. The kids are plugged in online for the school day, all wearing a new required accessory in the classroom — a mask.

“Hopefully, that lets a parent drop their child off and say, ‘They’re going to be fine, and I can do what I’ve got to do’,” Smith said.

Smith said it took over a month to officially pull this off for free, with a great group of volunteers.

“It operates on the backs of people who have chosen to give a lot of their time. Time is a resource that’s just as valuable, if not more valuable, than any financial gift that anyone could give,” said Heather Sullivan, the Kid City director.

The program is need-based, focusing on single-parent homes and on families where both parents must work outside of the home. There were roughly 400 applications.

Sullivan is already feeling the impact of day three.

“Them being able to actually look in the face of someone else and sit across from someone who has shown up just for them has actually been so meaningful for these kids. They have been bubbling over with joy,” Sullivan said.

The K-6 grade students follow the normal Wake County Public School System schedule when at the centers. About 100 children have started this week, giving not only parents a hand, but educators some support on the other end.

“We’ve got to all chip in to make it through this. We want them to know that there’s a place that cares about them,” said Smith.

“Church is just a building until you see it as a group of people who are willing to say 'I want to show up as a person and make a difference',” Sullivan said.

They plan to run these centers for nine weeks, but that could change as the need grows. The directors say they can take up to 200 students total spread among all campuses, if they have the right number of volunteers.

There is a waiting list, so applications remain closed for now.