Interfaith Child Care Center Continues to Grow
By Jared Turner jared.turner@roanoke.com 381-1643
Katy St. Marie wants people to understand that the Valley Interfaith Child Care Center is more than a day care.
It does, however, consider itself a source of quality care for children 4 and younger.
“We don’t just do baby-sitting,” said St. Marie, the center’s executive director. “Eighty-five percent of their brain is developed by the time they are 3, and there are all kinds of things they can learn. Children can learn sign language before their vocal cords develop. We hope to open up learning centers in their minds so they will begin to develop a love of learning early on.”
The center was founded in October 2003 after a group of friends from nearby Episcopal, Presbyterian and Catholic parishes joined with Montgomery County social service agencies to explore social needs too large in scope for one congregation.
The result was the Valley Interfaith Child Care Center, an organization that offers 12-hour day care to toddlers and children of parents who make less than $40,000 annually.
The first site was launched in November 2004 in the Head Start building in Christiansburg. A second came 15 months later at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Blacksburg.
Jeanne Roper, a retired Virginia Tech professor of 23 years who has been recognized for her community service through the years, was a leading organizer of the agency that in April received the Governor’s Award for Volunteerism and Community Service in the faith- based category.
“VICCC is focusing on an area of need that in terms of the future of our community and its sustainability is absolutely vital because it is focusing on children,” said Andy Morikawa, executive director of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, which submitted a letter endorsing the center for the Governor’s Award. “… Providing nurture and care while their parents work is absolutely crucial,” he said.
Twenty-eight children are currently enrolled, and there is a waiting list of others who can’t get in the program because of space and financial limitations.
“There’s so few spaces for infants in this entire valley,” St. Marie said. “Parents, even if they have money, they’re in a rough spot.”
About 20 trained volunteers — including Virginia Tech students, Retired Senior and Volunteer Program workers and religious leaders – - share time between sites, offering routine lessons in subjects such as gardening, art, music and elementary science.
“A lot of people think discipline means hurting or punishing,” St. Marie said. “It really means teaching. We use gentle voices with the children and teach them things.”
Hand-washing, sitting in a group and using words instead of fists along with other basic social skills are a point of emphasis.
“We want to stimulate their minds and their bodies and promote healthy communication,” St. Marie said.
IN RELIGION
TODAY
Vacation Bible School
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Faith Baptist Church, Christiansburg
What: “Waterworks”; bring a towel and leave with a goldfish
Contact: 381-2700
MONDAY-THURSDAY
Vacation Bible School
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christiansburg
What: Dinner, lessons crafts and games each night
Contact: 382-3765
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY
Music Camp
When: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Aug. 1-3) and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Aug. 6- 8) Where: First United Methodist Church, Pulaski
What: Pre-music camp and auditions 4 to 6 p.m. July 29 for rising kindergartners through grade 9
Cost: $15
Contact: 980-3331
AUG. 11
Morning of Extravagant Sales
When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 800 West Rock Road, Radford
What: Bake sale, hot dog sale and yard sale for First Baptist Church, West Street
Contact: 639-3873
AUG. 19
Parenting Seminar
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Where: First United Methodist Church, Pulaski
What: “Parenting with Love and Logic” led by certified instructor Holly Roe
Cost: $20, individual; $30, couple
Contact: 980-3331
MONDAYS, AUG. 20-NOV. 19
DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids seminars
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Where: Life Community Church, Christiansburg
What: A weekly seminar and support group for people separated, divorced or affected by divorce
Cost: $15
Contact: 382-0751
SEPT. 16
Straight Street Ministries NRV homecoming
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Adventure World Family Fun Center, Christiansburg
What: Skating and refreshments
Cost: Free admission ($1 skating fee, $1 skate rental)
Contact: 382-1717
SECOND SATURDAYS
Gospel singing
When: 7 p.m. Where: PACE Union Hall, Fairlawn
What: Featuring rotating bands, refreshments and door prizes
Contact: 382-1828
SUNDAYS
Community Bible study
When: 6:30 p.m. Where: New Mount Olive United Methodist Church, Russell Avenue, Radford
Contact: 639-6425
Baha’is of the New River Valley
When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Christ Episcopal Church, Blacksburg
What: Devotion and question-and-answer session on the Baha’i faith
Contact: 818-0611
TUESDAYS
Stretching Body and Spirit
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Where: Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, 107 W. Main St.
What: A yoga class for Christians. Includes a gentle hatha yoga workout coupled with Christian chanting, prayer and meditation
Contact: 382-2802
Relationship Bible Study
When: 6:30 p.m. Where: St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Blacksburg
What: Meal and wellness program, “Food for the Soul”
Contact: 552-8782
Lutheran Student Movement
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Campus Center, Virginia Tech
What: Dinner and fellowship
Contact: 552-0066
FIRST TUESDAYS
Gospel singing and Bible study
When: 10 a.m. Where: Christiansburg Recreation Center, Christiansburg
What: Musicians, singers and bench warmers welcome
Contact: 382-8543
WEDNESDAYS
Bible study
Where: Christiansburg Library Community Room
What: Shepherd’s Chapel Bible students seek members to meet
Contact: 381-4557
Faith discussion groups
When: 11 a.m. to noon Where: Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Blacksburg
Contact: 951-1000
Meditation program
When: 5:15 p.m. Where: Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga, Blacksburg
What: Learn a simple, universal meditation practice for people of all faiths and beliefs
Contact: 552-2177 or meditate-shivabala.org
THURSDAYS
Gospel singing and Bible study
When: 9:15 a.m. Where: Christiansburg Recreation Center, Christiansburg
What: Musicians, singers and bench warmers welcome
Contact: 382-8543
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