Churchwide
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The Table: Wednesdays at 5:30 pm in Finlator Hall
Join us at The Table! During this midweek gathering, we connect as a community over a meal — sharing the joys and concerns of our lives, having fun, and engaging in lively conversation. We begin with dinner from 5:30–6:15 pm. Then, we share celebrations, prayers, and community announcements before beginning the topic or activity for the evening.
Dinner is $10 for adults and youth (grades 6–12), $5 for children (grades K–5), and free for preschoolers. Pullen children’s and youth activities are also offered during this time.
See what’s happening each week at pullen.org/thetable.
Contact: Chalice Overy
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Wednesday Lectionary Lunch: Each Wednesday from 12-1 pm in the Pullen Library
The idea for the Lectionary Lunch began years ago with our former pastor, Mahan Siler. Every Wednesday at noon, Mahan would meet in the library with anyone who wanted to discuss the lectionary passage for the upcoming Sunday. People were invited to bring a bag lunch and join the conversation. Pastor Nancy has continued the tradition, except for a pause during the pandemic.
During this Wednesday hour, participants will read the text together. Then, Pastor Nancy will provide any background information on the text, share her thoughts on the text, and open the floor for discussion.
The Lectionary Lunch is not a weekly commitment. You can come every week, or just whenever your schedule allows. Please join this gathering to share knowledge, experience, resources, and insights!
Contact: Nancy E. Petty
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Do Justice! Organize Weekly on Zoom and on Signal: Thursdays from 12:15-12:55 pm
Would you like a community to support you in the pursuit of a more just world? Are you looking for concrete ways to put your faith into action? Join us for Do Justice! — a weekly Zoom gathering of Pullenites committed to showing up and showing out for justice love! Every week you will come away with a concrete action plan, no matter how much (or how little) time you can spare! To join the Zoom meeting, click here. For more information, email Ian.
You can also join us on Signal! Our Do Justice! community has recently expanded into a Signal group, an organizing platform where you can connect with other Pullenites in real time — sharing and responding to calls to action. Whether you want feedback on a letter to the editor or to meet up with other Pullenites at a protest downtown, this platform is the place to gather, organize, and mobilize for justice! Download the Signal app here. Then text Ian at 910-448-1794 to request access to the Do Justice! group.
Contact: Ian McPherson
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Conscious Aging Series: May 21 at 6:30 pm in Finlator Hall
We’re all aging and experiencing the changes that come with it. But in a youth-obsessed culture, there are marked differences between aging into one’s so-called “prime” and aging beyond it. This series is an opportunity to challenge the cultural conventions around “the prime of life,” get real about what aging looks like in the last decades of our lives, and make some conscious decisions about how we will live. We will exchange ideas through facilitated conversation and offer resources as we better understand our collective needs. Mark your calendar for the next conversations in this series.
May 21 —Building a Third Act Village
Gretchen Staebler joins us online for an intergenerational conversation about how we build communities that sustain us later in life. Gretchen Staebler is a former Pullen staff member and author of Mother Lode: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver.
Contact: Chalice Overy
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Pullen Outdoor Weekend: May 23–26 at Hanging Rock State Park
One of the many comments I hear about Pullen Outdoor Weekend is how awesome it is to spend time together as a community. We can hike, tube, sit at the firepits, tell stories, eat meals together, and just hang out with each other.
Do you like car camping? Would you like to try it? Would you like to but don't have equipment? Are you daunted by meal prep for camping? We want you to come and can help make it work!
We can match folks up with other Pullen folks on sites, so we can fit more people on the sites. Don't worry about sites!
If you want more information, please email Kevin Neiley or call 919-622-4315.
Sign up early and join us for this outdoor adventure!
Contact: Kevin Neiley
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Caring Connections: Training Meeting: June 1 from 12:15–1:15 pm in Room 307
If you are interested in visiting some of our home-based members, join our current visitors for this meeting. We will discuss our tracking system for keeping up with the needs of our home-based elders, and review considerations for being present for them in supportive ways.
Contact: Chalice Overy
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The Road to Damascus (As Told by Grandmother to Little Red) — A Live Performance! June 2 from 8-10 pm in Finlator Hall
The Committee on Becoming an Anti-racist Congregation (ARCC) invites you to this one-woman play with live music. It uses the biblical narrative of Saul/Paul’s conversion experience — from Acts 9 of the New Testament — as a call for an awakening to the role the church has played in creating and sanctifying the inequitable criminal legal system of the United States.
This performance is suitable for ages 12+. The suggested donation for this event is $20-25 per person. The proceeds will be split between the production company, ArtSpot, and Pullen ARCC.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Contact: Maggie Zeillmann
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Two Cans, Every Sunday
When you grocery shop, buy two extra cans of food and bring them to church on Sunday as your expression of gratitude for having enough to eat. Place the cans in the grocery cart at the Finlator door, and the Pullen Mission Women will take them to Urban Ministries where they will provide groceries to families in need. If enough of us make this a habit, we can have a significant impact in reducing the hunger in our midst. Thank you for your generosity!
Contact: Deb Norton
Sunday Groups
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Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know — A Book Study: May 25; June 1 and 8 from 9:30–10:30 in Room 310
Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know (2021) is the most recent book by Erica Chenoweth, an expert in nonviolent civil resistance. Chenoweth has spent nearly 20 years studying the history of mass movements that have affected change, without using violence or the threat of violence against people. This most recent book, in their own words, “summarizes some of the main takeaways from history about the ways that civil resistance campaigns have formed, strategized, organized and mobilized.”
Five thematic chapters address the most common questions Chenoweth hears — including what civil resistance is, how it works, and how violence that emerges from within and against nonviolent movements affects them. Join Amy Marschal (who is not an expert in civil resistance) to read the book and learn. Amy will offer summaries of the chapters and facilitate discussion.
Learn more about Erica Chenoweth here.
Contact: Nancy E. Petty
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Summer Sunday Series: Unconscious Biases — June 8, 15, 22, and 29; July 13, 20, and 27; August 3, 10, and 17 from 9:30–10:30 am in Finlator Hall
In this summer series, the Committee on Becoming an Anti-racist Congregation invites you to examine your unconscious biases. “Unconscious biases” (also known as “implicit biases”) are the mental shortcuts our brains use to navigate the world efficiently. We all make snap judgments based on previous learning — such as information from media we’ve consumed, experiences we’ve had, and conversations we’ve heard. Because we are surrounded by the pervasive racial inequities in American society, the information which we base our snap judgments on is often tainted by racial stereotypes — whether we’re aware of it or not.
In this series, we will learn how and why our brains sometimes make decisions based on bias, and we’ll practice concrete strategies to outsmart those biases. This powerful experience of self-discovery will help you to see the Divine more clearly in others and equip you to be an advocate for racial justice in all areas of your life.
Contact: Nancy E. Petty
Kids
Here's what's happening in our Kids Ministry!
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Pullen Kids Summer Sunday Groups: June 8–August 17 (excluding July 6) from 9:30–10:30 am in Room 122
During the Summer Sunday Groups, Pullen kids will enjoy being together, creating and playing, and celebrating God through activities and stories from the Bible. Caregivers are invited to enjoy this experience with the children.
Note: Childcare will be available for preschoolers at 9:30 am in Room 120.
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Preschool Childcare: Sundays in June, July, and August from 9:30 am–noon in Room 117 (infant / toddler); Room 120 (two years and up)
Note: No childcare on September 7. The fall schedule will resume on September 14.
While adults engage in our impactful Sunday Groups, we provide dedicated childcare for preschoolers. During worship services, preschoolers are lovingly cared for in our nursery. All paid and volunteer staff who come in contact with children have gone through Pullen’s “Safe Congregation” training and have been background-checked.
If you are interested in volunteering in the nursery, please contact Tommy Cook.
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Children's Worship: Sundays at 11 am in Room 126 (excluding First Sundays)
Kids (grades 1-3) are invited to "follow the light" to Children's Worship partway through the service. In Children's Worship, kids have the opportunity to "come close to God" in a setting designed to accommodate more wiggles and giggles. Pullen uses the Godly Play Curriculum, which incorporates the Montessori method of teaching. Parents are welcome to accompany their children if they'd like.
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Pullen PALs Storytime: Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30 am in Room 125
Parents of babies and toddlers are invited to join us on Wednesday mornings. We will have a story and songs in the kids' library, followed by free play in Room 120. All are welcome to join this community event, as space allows. For more information, contact Shelby Forrest.
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Kids Quest: Wednesdays at 6:15 pm in Room 122 (Preschool), Room 120 (K-5th grade)
Kids Quest is back on Wednesday nights! After our community dinner, preschoolers can enjoy free play in Room 122. Older children can choose from a variety of activities -- Storytime in the children's library, Craft Time in Room 120, Game Time in Room 116, or free time on the playground. Join us for a fun and engaging evening!
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Pullen PALs (Parents and Littles) — Family Dinner: May 17 from 5:30–7:30 pm at Transfer Co. Food Hall (500 E. Davie St., Raleigh)
Are you the parent, grandparent or guardian of a baby, toddler, or preschooler and want to connect with other parents at Pullen? Join the Pullen PALs for this family dining experience! Siblings and caregivers are also welcome. To learn more, please contact Maggie Zeillmann at 919-757-3658.
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Pullen Moms Lunch Group: New! May 18 from 12:15–2 pm at Cantina 18 (433 Daniels St., Raleigh)
Moms of kids in grades K–8 are invited to meet for the occasional lunch after church to build friendships, share experiences, and enjoy a meal — without anyone asking for a ride somewhere or where they left their swim goggles. This is a new Pullen group and will be our first gathering. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Liz Kasper or call 919-641-0514. If you can't join this first gathering but would like updates on future gatherings, please email Liz.
Contact: Liz Kasper
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Camp Pullen, Summer 2025: July 14-18 from 9 am-5 pm (9 am-noon on July 18) in Finlator Hall
Camp Pullen returns this summer for children who have completed kindergarten-5th grade. The theme for this week-long, children's day camp is "Changing the World with Loving Kindness." The curriculum will focus on cultivating compassion for each other, ourselves, and the world. Please share the details about the camp with friends and neighbors!
Camp Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 9 am-5 pm; Friday, 9 am-noon
Drop-offs begin: 8:30 am
Pickup by: 5:20 pm
Note: Families may opt to pick up children at noon, if this works best for their schedules.
Camp registration is now full. If you would like to be added to the wait list, please contact Tommy Cook.
Contact: Tommy Cook
Youth
Here's what's happening in our Youth Ministry!
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Youth Sunday Groups: 9:30 am in Room 130-H
Join us on Sunday mornings as we engage scripture and the church calendar to learn about our faith, how it helps us confront the issues of our time, and what it means for how we show up in our everyday lives. We begin by checking in with each other, and usually find a fun way to get into the topic of the day. We strive for honest dialogue that is accessible no matter where you are on the spectrum of faith.
Contact: Chalice Overy
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Youth Group: 6:30 pm in Room 130-H
On Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 pm, students are invited to gather to explore our faith in the context of our everyday lives and what’s happening in the world around us. Students are also invited to join for dinner in Finlator Hall before Youth Group at 5:30 pm.
Contact: Ian McPherson
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Pullen Youth Ice Cream Social: May 21 at 6:30 pm (gathering in Room 111-B, HOST space)
Join us to celebrate the end of this year's youth programming and welcome our rising 6th graders. We will gather in the Youth Room and walk to Goodberry's together. Don't forget to bring money for your favorite ice cream treat. For more information, email Allie Pruden.
Contact: Allie Pruden
Young Adults
Here’s what’s happening in our Young Adults Ministry!
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Young-ish Adults Group: Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in Finlator Hall
The Young-ish adults will meet each Tuesday at 6:30 pm in Finlator Hall. Join us as we share the stories of our lives and discuss topics that matter to us.
Contact: Nancy Petty
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Young-ish Adults Sunday Lunch: Every 4th Sunday at 12:15 pm at The Players Retreat (105 Oberlin Rd., Raleigh)
Join us for this casual time to connect after church. We will gather at the front steps of the church and walk over together.
Contact: Philip Taff
LGBTQIA+
Here's what's happening in our LGBTQIA+ Ministry!
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The Jack McKinney LGBTQ and Straight Allies Support Group: 7:00 – 8:30 pm on the third Monday in the Chapel
This support group is open to all LGBTQ friends, families, and straight allies who wish to share and be heard in a safe nonjudgmental atmosphere. The group offers a supportive, caring, and confidential space for sharing joys and frustrations.
Contact: Chalice Overy
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Brave Space: 6:00 pm on First and Third Thursdays in 111-B
On the first and third Thursday evenings of each month throughout the school year, LGBTQIA+ college students are invited to gather for Brave Space in Pullen's Chapel. This ministry gives queer-identified students space to connect and reflect together on matters of faith and current events. Light snacks are provided. Brave Space is a joint venture between Pullen's Young Adult Ministry and the Raleigh Episcopal Campus Ministry at the Cheshire House.
Contact: Ian McPherson
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LGBTQIA+ Family and Friends Lunch: May 11 from 12:15–1:30 pm at A Place at the Table (300 W Hargett St., #50, Raleigh)
Join us after worship for a time of connection, conversation, and community. All are welcome — bring your appetite and your true self!
We will gather on the second Sunday of each month. The location will vary.
Contact: Vernon Burkhart
Music
Here's what's happening in our Music Ministry!
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Summer Worship Choir: Every Sunday in June, July, and August at 10:30 am in Room 203
All ages (children, youth, adults) are invited to participate in Pullen’s Summer Worship Choir that enlivens congregational singing and offers music for worship. The Summer Worship Choir requires no prior commitment or rehearsal. Participants gather for a short preparation before worship at 11 am. Families have the option to sit together in the choir if they wish. Join us beginning June 1!
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Pullen Orchestra: Rehearsals resuming in Fall 2025
Youth and adults who play wind, string, or percussion instruments at an intermediate level or beyond are invited to play in this group that accompanies congregational singing and provides music for worship.
Contact: Larry Schultz
Adults
Here's what's happening in our Adult ministries!
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Knitting, Crocheting, Crafting Group:
May 24 from 2:30–4 pm
(At Lucy Daniels’ House)
Lucy Daniels invites Pullenites and their interested friends to join her for a knitting, crocheting, crafting group at her house in Raleigh, located within two miles of Pullen. To RSVP and get the address, please email Lucy’s assistant Casey Herget or call 919-755-6904.
Contact: Casey Herget
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Pullen Women’s Group: April 28 at 6 pm at Relish Craft Kitchen (5625 Creedmoor Rd., Raieigh)
We invite all who identify as female to join us for the next Pullen Women’s Group event. We get together to visit and catch up, with no special agenda. Newcomers are welcome, and this is a great way to get to meet other Pullenites! If you plan to attend, please contact Rita Rakestraw at 919-360-0975.
Contact: Rita Rakestraw
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Men's Group: Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Library
Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the book, Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most. Whether or not you have read the book, you are welcome to participate. Our conversations often touch on topics that everyone can relate to from their own life experiences. This group is open to all who identify as masculine.
Contact: Kevin Neiley or Andrew Kasper
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Earth Ministry: Caring for God’s Creation — First Mondays at 7 pm on Zoom
Earth Ministry is a dedicated group of people seeking ways to live a life that cares for Creation as part of our Christian Spiritual practices. This ministry creates opportunities to educate the congregation on ways that we can individually, and collectively, live a sustainable relationship with our planet. Email Karen Delahunty for the Zoom link.
Contact: Karen Delahunty
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Pullen Mission Women: Monthly from 10-11:30 am in the Library and on Zoom
Reaching out to each other and the world is the focus of Pullen Mission Women. In our monthly circle, women meet for fellowship, support, devotions, and informative, inspirational programs. We respond to local and international needs through financial assistance and in-kind gifts (ongoing food drive for Urban Ministries, annual clothing and toiletry drive for Episcopal Farmworker Ministries, participation with the AMOS baby layette project).
A Zoom option is available for those who cannot attend in person. Please contact Deb Norton for information and Zoom links.
Contact: Deb Norton
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The Resettlement and Sanctuary Mission Group: Quarterly on Zoom
This group provides sanctuary for immigrants in danger of deportation. There are opportunities for volunteers who would like to contribute time and resources towards this important work. They meet quarterly on Zoom.
Contact: Serena Buckner
Volunteer Opportunities
Learn more about getting connected through volunteering!
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Volunteers Needed As Nursery Workers!
There is an immediate need for children and families during Sunday groups and worship at Pullen. Nursery caregivers work as a team, receive on-the-job training, and get to hold babies!!! Please check the form below to get more details and sign up. Workers select the dates they are available.
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Audio/Visual Team
Pullen is in need of some Audio/Visual Team Volunteers! Experience is great, but we are also willing to train. The commitment for being on the Audio/Visual team is serving one Sunday a month from 9:30-12:00 pm and potentially special events. This is a great service opportunity for students!
Contact: Kate Amesbury
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Kids Ministry
It is vital that we have people in place to support Pullen's children. We currently need volunteers to offer childcare, teach, lead workshops, lead worship, and greet families as they arrive. Click here to learn more about the specific opportunities in our Children’s Ministry or express interest.
Contact: Tommy Cook
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Handy Corps
Do you enjoy fixing things and discussing important issues? Want to help keep our church building in great shape, while engaging in meaningful conversations? Join the Pullen Handy Corps! Every Wednesday at 9:30 am, the Handy Corps team checks in and coordinates the work orders for building maintenance and repairs.
By volunteering your time and talents, you’ll help save the church money, while building community and making a tangible difference. All skill levels are welcome – from the experienced handyperson to those eager to learn.
Contact: Vicky Bass
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Hosts
Do you enjoy making people feel welcome? We’re looking for people who can assist in extending our welcome to visitors after worship on Sundays. This could include collecting visitor cards, handing out printed information about Pullen based on a visitor’s interest, and just engaging in conversation for a few minutes. The commitment is one Sunday per month.
Contact Chalice Overy
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Office Volunteers
We’re looking for office volunteers to answer the phones and buzz people into the building. The hours needed are early to late afternoon.
Contact: Vicky Bass
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Sanctuary & Resettlement
Volunteers provide wrap-around support for immigrants in need of welcome in our community by offering rides, hosting outings in the community, helping with English conversation, and helping navigate the challenges of being a stranger in a new land.
Contact: Serena Buckner
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Security
Security-The Security Team walks the church during worship securing entrances, counting participants and providing general vigilance. The commitment is 1 Sunday every 6 weeks from approximately 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Contact Steve Gurganus
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Ushers
We need ushers to greet worshipers, hand out worship guides as people enter the sanctuary, and collect the offering. The commitment is one Sunday every six weeks, from 10:15 am-12:30 pm.
Contact: Dave Laboy
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Servers
Each week at The Table we need 3 servers and 1 person to collect the money for dinner. The commitment is one Wednesday per month from 5:15 - 6:15 pm.
Contact Chalice Overy
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Round Table Fellowship
Round Table offers people experiencing homelessness or housing and food insecurity to be the guest of Pullen on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. On these days, from 1-2 pm, we provide snack lunches and hospitality. Pullen supports this work through food donations, monetary gifts, and volunteer energy. This ministry provides around 50 guests that come to our door with food, an attentive ear, and a kind word as we find meaningful ways to build community. Volunteers are always welcome. To get involved, please contact Jan Crouch (Tuesday Round Table) or Ginny Going (Thursday Round Table).
The number of people coming to Round Table Ministry on Tuesdays and Thursdays is increasing. As a result, we will need to pack more lunches more frequently. Needed for our next packing are cans of Vienna sausages, cereal/granola bars, and 6-pack crackers. Please leave any items you can donate in the blue wagon outside the Church office.
Contact: Jan Crouch or Ginny Going
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Pullen Meals Ministry
The Pullen Meals Ministry provides meals to homes for members who may need them on a short-term basis, usually 1-3 meals. Typically, we are asked to help when members are dealing with health problems, recovery, or a death in the family, and that support cannot be provided within that member's network of family or friends. We have a good number of volunteers who have helped with this mission. However, there is a current need for more volunteers who can work together to ensure coverage. If you can put your name on the list to provide occasional support for this mission, please contact Chalice Overy.
Contact: Chalice Overy
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Pullen-Wiley Partnership Tutoring Opportunity
Pullen and Wiley Elementary School have enjoyed a long partnership (since 2001) that has provided Wed. after-school tutoring to support students who needed an extra academic boost. The pandemic interrupted the program abruptly when the schools turned to virtual learning in early 2020. This fall, volunteers are again being welcomed in schools, so we have an opportunity to consider restarting the tutoring program at Pullen on Wednesdays.
WCPSS is partnering with the YMCA to provide the HELPS tutor training program, targeted to improve reading fluency. This is the area that has been determined to be the greatest area of need to help students recover from the learning losses they have experienced. The YMCA has agreed to include our volunteers in the training which will take place in October.
Contact: Judy Williams or Nancy Jones