Saint James School at 3129 Southmore, are teaching their students
there is more to education than just books but also about service.
Students ranging from 18 months to 5 years old participated in a
community outreach event that extended from Saint James to the Cuney
Homes housing complex.

“Snack Packs for Buddies”, was a one time event where students donated
all types of goodies to give to other children that live in the Cuney
Homes. As the first community service project for these kids, it gave
them the opportunity to experience doing something for others out of
the kindness of their hearts.

“Snack Packs for Buddies kicks off the partnership between Saint James
and the Cuney Homes to educate the children there,” said Naomi
Carrier, Principal of Saint James. “We are hoping to bring in 15
children from Cuney Homes into our school from the ages of 3 to 5.”

“We had a meeting with the Third Ward Cloth Organization and she (Carrier) said she needed to have kids as young as 18 months in school,they need to be educated,” said Veronica Deboiste, Cuney Homes Community Relations. “I couldn’t wait to get over to her and tell her I had been praying for that, to get these babies educated.”

Carrier and Deboiste in conjunction with the Forge for Families organization are
partnering up to educate children and parents as they aspire to
help parents go back to school for college or to get their GED. Forge
for Families will provide the transportation, and Saint James is
accepting up to 15 students from Cuney Homes on a first come, first
serve basis.

“This was a great opportunity to help out the people in the Cuney Homes. A lot of the parents can’t afford daycare and the organizations these days are so funny about parents not working or enrolled in school and the kids can’t get in the programs,” said Deboiste. “A lot of the people need someone to keep their kids so they can get to work or school. Naomi and I started to talk and the Forge said they would provide transportation so we decided to merge together. I’m elated and waiting until the day comes that the kids can get into school.”

It was an instant hit among the residents of Cuney Homes, according to Deboiste. Seven people signed up immediately. All fifteen slots have been filled but Deboiste will keep a waiting list open for those who want to take advantage of the opportunity.

“We are hoping for a foundation or corporation to join in that will
pick up the cost of scholarship for those 15 children,” Carrier said.

Parents who are interested in the opportunity are encouraged to call
Saint James School and ask for Principal Naomi Carrier at
713-521-9884.