Volunteers Needed for Norristown Christian Release Time

Christian Release Time (CRT)

Do you want to make a significant impact in a Norristown student's life? Invest an hour of your time with your choice of 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade students. We are currently seeking volunteers for the following positions: group teachers, assistants, lunch & snacks coordinator and van drivers.

How Can I Help?
Volunteer teachers are always needed to be a positive influence with Released Time kids. It’s so easy! Volunteering is a great way to donate your time helping kids learn about God’s love, self-respect, personal responsiblity, service to others and skills for life & leadership. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to teach these kids. There’s a curriculum already established to help you along the way. And, if you want to try it out volunteer to be an assistant. By assisting in a Released Time class you can get the feel of how it all works. Other ways of support is by becoming a monthly partner to help sponsor the CRT program.

Who teaches CRT classes?
Our teachers come from local churches. Our teaching staff include Pastors, retired school teachers, and others who love the Lord and desire to pass it on to children.

What kind of training is needed to become involved as a Released Time teacher?
We will have you attend a new teachers orientation to go over the curriculum and methods of teaching. The best training is on the job training, so we recommend helping with a Released Time class for a semester or two until you feel ready to launch out on your own. To apply to be a Teacher or an assistant, please contact Brian Akamine at 610 279-5440 or email at brian@partnersforfamilies.com

What is CRT?

The idea of releasing public school students for devotional religious study off school premises in the United States was first discussed in 1905 at a conference in New York City. The proposal was that public elementary schools should be closed one day a week in addition to Sunday so those parents who so desired could have their children attend religious instruction outside of the school building.However, it was not until Dr. William Wirt, an innovative educator and superintendent of the Gary, Indiana schools established a program in 1914 in which 619 students participated in off-campus religious education. Dr. Wirt believed that the church, home, playground, library, and school were all components in a child's education. The public school, however, had and still has no responsibility for teachers, curriculum, conduct, or achievement within the Released Time classes. Released Time grew and flourished. In 1922, for example, Released Time programs were active in 23 states. 40,000 students from 200 school districts were participating. By 1932, thirty States had active Released Time Programs in 400 communities with enrollment of 250,000 students. Ten years later, in 1942 participation reached 1.5 million students in 46 States. Released Time peaked in 1947 with 2 million students enrolled in 2,200 communities. During this time, favorable Released Time legislation was adopted by 12 States.Currently, it is estimated that there are over 1,000 Released Time Programs in operation today involving over 250,000 students in kindergarten through high school.

Building Improvements Underway...

We're so excited about all the recent support and volunteer contributions that have come along side us to help clean & beautify the Partners for Families building. On March 2008, John Jayne and friends began with our main office. Talk about fine craftsmanship, we have been so honored to have John Jayne spend endless hours making improvements to this room with showroom level quality. Our prayer is that the churches and community would continue to partner with us toward the common mission of serving Norristown families so that individuals will be empowered with choices to live out God’s plan for their lives in good health, education, success, and wholeness. All the time and sweat equity put into this endeavor demonstrates each volunteers fingerprint as a token of support and commitment with the anticipation to see hearts & lives transformed... "one person at a time!"

Final touches are almost finished in our office, once complete we'll finally be able to unpack our boxes and move in. (We're sorry if you've been trying to contact us at 610 279-5440 office number, we've been temporarily disconnected and are back online!).

So much has been accomplished by volunteers thus far. In the last 4 months we've cleared out unused furniture, unused stored items, organized rooms, drywalling, spackling and painting. Again, a special thanks to John Jayne for his craftsmanship and his labor of love donating months of his time & money to provide literally a "new office" for us!. Thanks also goes out to Steve Rush, Fairview Village Church Youth group, the L.A.B. group, Cabrini College Faculty, Mascaro's & Sons Inc., Dave & Kathie Peters & Friends, and Rick Sterley, owner of Bridgeport Paint for donating all the paint and supplies.


HOME DEPOT Adopting Partners for Families Building...

We are so excited that Home Depot, located in King of Prussia will be adopting the Partners for Families building as their community service site. Thanks to Store Manager, Larry Mulligan who's taken personal ownership in this project.

"It's nice that Home Depot has helped improve playgrounds in the suburbs, but after seeing this site here in Norristown, this is the kind of organization we'd like to help and would feel we're making a difference in the community" says Larry Mulligan, Home Depot Manager

The objective for phase one with the rennovation project is to give a makeover to our downstairs kitchen & meeting room, gymnasium recreation room and hallway entrance. These rooms are the highest priority right now. Once they're upgraded we can start with these meeting spaces for our planned programs we have for the 2008-09 school calendar year.

There is still much work to be done! We are still seeking volunteers/community groups to "adopt-a-room" as we make collaborative steps to ultimately upgrade the entire building. The building is one of our greatest asset, so we want to make sure that we prepare each room with functionality and comfort to serve the needs of our children, youth and families.

If you'd like to partner with us let us know by contacting Brian at 610 279-5440 or email at brian@partnersforfamilies.com

An Essential Partner for Families

298 Persons Respond to an Invitation to Jesus Christ

Evangelist Joey Perez gives an invitation to all who want to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. This was a defining moment for all those who made a decision that it was time to get their lives right with God. As you see here so many came forward with surrendered heart to the Lord!

Norristown Community Outreach Featuring Joey Perez

As the smell of grilled chicken and hot-dogs filled the air, people from all over Norristown curiously stopped by to check-out the large crowds gathered over the three-night event on June 26-28th. This event was sponsored by the Norristown Ministerium of churches, the District Attorney's Office, Home Depot, McDonalds, and many other organizations committed to the prevention of drugs & crime. Attendees received free clothing, 225 distributed grocery bags, bicycle give-aways, BBQ chicken & hot-dogs and refreshments while enjoying the inspiring music and a powerful testimonial message by guest speaker Joey Perez, a notorious former drug dealer/gang leader who's life was radically changed after his encounter with Jesus Christ.

The most awesome part of this event was the 298 persons who came forward to commit their lives to Jesus Christ. People came with tears and humility as then fell to their knees in desperation for forgiveness of their sins and receiving the peace and joy promised to all who would come to Jesus. It was a moving experience to witness!

This event is another example of the Church coming together in unity for the sake of the community! It was organized by a committed group of leaders representing churches in Norristown and the surrounding communities. We are especially grateful for the in-kind and financial contributions of many organizations who helped sponsor this event. The purpose of these outreaches is to reach out to the community, especially the most difficult areas of Norristown where crime, drugs and prostitution runs rampant. It's was evident at this event that the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ attracted those longing for hope, peace and forgiveness. When the churches of Norristown collaborate in unity the message of reconciliation extends to the community.

As Jesus said..."You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).

Our Father in Heaven was praised over this weekend!

Those who gave their lives to Christ were provided Bibles, follow-up discipleship literature and their names, addresses and phone numbers were provided. Follow-up teams will contact them by personally visiting their homes and encourage them to participate in any of the participating ministerium churches.

Gotwals & Hancock Elementary School Trip to the Capitol in Harrisburg, PA

Last month partners for families and State Representative Jay Moyer's Office organized a trip to Harrisburg, PA to visit the State Capitol for elementary student from Gotwals & Hancock Elementary schools in Norristown. This initiative was spearheaded by Rep. Moyer to provide underprivileged children the opportunity to visit their State Capitol and expose them to things they may otherwise never have the chance to do in their lifetime. The trip was sponsored by Comcast, AmeriHealth and the Rotary Club. The children had a wonderful time meeting their State Representative, tour of the House & Senate chambers, Supreme court and Visitor Center. It was truly an enriching experience for everyone! Thanks to State Representative Jay Moyer and Donna Thompson, Legislative Aid, for their community leadership!

"A Benefit Concert" for Partners for Families

On May 17th, 2008 we had the honor to be recipients of a benefit concert that was organized on our behalf by Steve Arditi and Carmin Blinn. We were honored that Carmin Blinn along with our dear friend and featured guest artist David Bryant performed a "sold-out" concert to support our faith step as we launch out on this new ministry endeavor! This venue provided us an opportunity to debut our new promotional DVD produced by Dave Peters.

We raised over $3200 dollars at this event! Thanks again to all of you who attended!

If you'd like to support us by becoming "monthly partners" contact us by emailing us brian@partnersforfamilies.com

Swearing In Ceremony as Norristown Youth Aid Panelist

Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel

In response to an invitation from the Montgomery County District Attorney to invite members from the Greater Norristown Area Ministerium to be part of the Youth Aid Panel, a community-based restorative justice program, Brian & Tracey Akamine responded to the request and celebrated the completion of a 5-week Youth Aid Panel training program. They are now serving in a newly formed third Norristown Panel. The panelist respresenting Norristown in the picture above includes Tay Adams, Brian Akamine, Tracey Akamine, Peggy Ann Scott, and Sheldon Mercer. The training concluded with a swearing in ceremony with the First Assistant District Attorney, Kevin Steele.

"We certainly enjoyed the interactive training program. It was well worth our time and was an opportunity to meet like-minded panelist who have a vested interest in the future of our youth and for the health of our community. We encourage others to get involved and sign up for the next upcoming training this Fall." Brian & Tracey Akamine

What is the Youth Aid Panel?

Youth Aid Panels in municipalities provide a means of raising community awareness and responsibility for their youth. They link law enforcement agencies, community resources and trained community panelists. Juvenile offenders admit their involvement in the offense. The Youth Aid Panel is not a court of law and does not decide guilt or innocence. Juveniles charged with eligible first-time summary or misdemeanor offenses and their families will meet formally with panelists to decide an appropriate resolution for their criminal behavior. The panel and juvenile sign a contract to complete educational activities, community service, or restitution.

Juvenile offenders and their parents may choose the Youth Aid Panel option rather than Juvenile or District Court ONLY if a designated Police Officer offers the Panel option, at the Officer's discretion. Panels will form partnerships with local organizations that will help in plans of supervision of community service.

For further information or a Volunteer application contact:
Youth Aid Panel Coordinator
Montgomery County Mediation Center
26 W. Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401
610-277-9320
610-277-5126 (fax)
e-mail at: mailto:montcoyap@aol.com