Q2 Report - An Update from CAC

Hello CAC Family & Friends!

Even though Spring has come and gone, what remains is the enthusiasm of the children at the CAC. Our youth spread the word about their experience at the CAC which resulted in an increase in our summer programming enrollment, from 79 in 2025 to 99 this year.  We are excited about the enrollment increase because it provides us with the opportunity to help even more students. As noted in last quarter’s report, academic proficiency is an outcome we monitor on a regular basis. 

The data presented is based on our regular attendees, defined as students who attend the program at least three days or more per week. The data remained steady from 2024 to 2026. We are focused on continuous improvement and incorporating various learning strategies to not only maintain the gains our students made during the school year but increase them.

Active engagement is key, which includes soliciting ideas from our young people.  Longtime volunteer, Miss Lucy, as she is affectionately known, has provided biblical foundations and life skills for our middle and high school girls for the past 15 years.  The boys noticed and wanted something special as well. Therefore, the CAC started the Trailblazers for Christ mentoring group: a program geared towards boys in the 5th-12th grades that is designed with the tools needed to be successful in life. Some of those tools include forming a biblical foundation, understanding career opportunities, and developing emotional intelligence and social awareness, interpersonal relationships, mental and physical health, and more. Allowing their voices to be heard is imperative.

The community garden is also thriving thanks to our partnership with Go! International.  Our kids have been hard at work in the garden learning about responsibility, teamwork, and nutrition. The students also received a visit from the Missouri Botanical Gardens where they were shown the various growth phases of plants through the season.

A student who loves to garden is Cortez. Cortez is a first grader and his teacher describes him as very quiet yet inquisitive. He enjoys coming to the CAC because he thinks it’s fun and enjoys trying new foods with his friends in the neighborhood.

CAC youth were also visited by Heartlinks Grief Counseling Services. Many people are unaware of the various forms that grief can take and its impact on youth development. Grief hits hard especially when someone must deal with the loss of a family member, friend, or even witness a violent act or crime. Grief is also compounded by the impact of poverty, uncertainty, or lack of access and opportunity. The CAC is thankful for organizations such as Heartlinks and Hoyetlon Youth and Family Services. Their partnerships along with your prayers are vital to the health and welfare of our students.

In closing, please mark your calendars for a few upcoming events. The CAC Back to School event will be on Thursday, August 6, 2026 – this is one of our largest community projects of the year, where we equip hundreds of children with the necessary supplies for a successful new school year! We will be sending additional information in the coming days on how you can support this event.  

The next CAC Lunch & Learn will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 11am to 12:30pm.  This is an opportunity for you to tour the CAC and learn more about what we do. For additionally information and to RSVP, please visit www.cacesl.org/lunchandlearn.

In the meantime, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers because each day presents new opportunities and challenges for our children and our organization. Your prayers and financial support enable us to make a positive difference in the lives of our young people and their families.

Blessings to you!

Dr. Jeffrey A. Williams

Executive Director

Christian Activity Center