Vital literacy program: a unique perspective
by ViaFaith McCullough
As a child, I participated in Project Transformation Oklahoma at Quayle United Methodist Church and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. I was a camper at Quayle UMC from 2006-2009. Before attending Project Transformation (PT), I was an emerging reader, beginning to explore the new world books opened. Participating in Project Transformation not only enhanced the reading skills I was developing in the classroom but also gave me the confidence to allow my imagination to take flight. I saw the fluidity of literature. Stories weren’t confined to black text and white pages. Stories were living art and connectors to diverse cultures and our global neighbors. During this time, I faced many challenges in receiving an equitable education. I felt underrepresented and undervalued in the classroom. Participating in PT not only helped cultivate my literacy skills but also affirmed the innate value I had as a child of God. My voice mattered. I mattered.
I returned to Project Transformation as an AmeriCorps member in 2018, as an arts coordinator at Moore First UMC. I was a rising sophomore at Philander Smith College (now Philander Smith University). I felt led to apply, remembering the fun experience I had as a child. I was also interested in the opportunity to grow in my faith and connect with other young adults in service. I still hallmark the summer of 2018 as one of the best summers I have had as a young adult. During this summer of service, I cherished building community with young adults, engaging with diverse perspectives, and investing in the lives of children. There was rarely a morning that I did not wake joyful to see the faces of the children as they entered my art room, knowing I was making an impact in their lives. I learned how to put my faith into practice and that being a Christian was more than an act of profession. It was about how we use our gifts and voices to support others and ensure everyone has the resources and support they need to live a positive, fulfilling life.
I served at non-profits and in the classroom as an early childhood educator in 2022. Coming back to Project Transformation as the Executive Director feels like coming home. It is an honor to serve an organization that has poured so much into me. I draw from my experience as a camper and AmeriCorps member, to help further the mission of the organization and develop impactful programming. During my time as Executive Director, I have deepened my understanding of the vital roles our Conference, churches, and community partners, such as AmeriCorps serve in supporting PT’s vision to transform communities throughout Oklahoma through relationship and service. PT’s work would not be possible without the support of people, churches, and organizations motivated to provide children with high-quality summer reading programs and cultivate leadership skills in young adults.
The Special Called Conference offering, totaling $7,737.01, generously collected for Project Transformation will help us further our mission of transforming communities by engaging children, college-age young adults, and churches in purposeful relationships. In 2023, generous donations to Project Transformation Oklahoma provided 144 children and 23 members with a safe and fun learning camp environment. 11,555 meals were served and 3,675 books were read with kids. Ninety-three percent of our campers maintained their reading levels