Mothers 4 Education

About Us

In 2009, Millie Dowd came up with the idea of providing free school supplies to the children in Carlisle and surrounding areas. Who would have thought this premature idea, would lead to well needed assistance to families who are struggling everyday.  Not only were children of Carlisle directly benefited from the 2009 Back to School Bash, but there were children from surrounding areas who benefited as well.  With the short amount of time given to prepare in 2009, funding for the first annual event began with several churches: Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Revelation Church of God In Christ, Second Baptist Church, and Holy Apostolic Church, who donated school supplies or gave monetary donations to make this a success.  There were also several private donors who gave generously as well.  In 2009, the planning actually started in June and the event was August 8th.  It wasn't believed that this could be an event that could occur before every school year, unless the dedicated group of volunteers came together and started planning well before the next school year.  Ironically, that is what this has become. The children enjoyed games, snow cones and hot dogs and approximately 125 were provided with school supplies.  Manicures were available, as well as free hair cut for young boys.  It was the mission of the volunteers to provide help anyway possible for the parents, and to lessen the financial burden that some face at the start of each school year.

Fundraisers are a big part of this organization’s structure.  The First Annual Mother’s Day Bake Sale, held on May 8th, 2010, was a fruitful venture, and proved successful in many ways.  The members of the community came out and provided support for our cause.  The group is looking to sponsor a Kickball Tournament, Basketball 3-on-3 and other events for the community.   The old character that Carlisle had in the past must be restored, and through work and play, it is hoped that one day it will!

The 2010 Back To School Bash on August 7th, 2010, was a huge hit.  The Carlisle City Park began to fill up shortly after the set-up was complete.  Mothers 4 Education members and several youth volunteers came out early to set-up and stayed late to clean the park afterwards.  There were several new activities available for the duration of the day.  Carlisle Fire Department brought a fire truck on site for the children to see.  Smokey the Bear, courtesy of the Arkansas Forrestry Commission posed for pictures with the children.  Manicures were given again this year, and two barbers and one stylist donated their time an abilities to make sure the kids looked nice for their return back to school.

Around the park, there were several games to be played. There was bounce-a-round and a dunking booth for some great entertainment.  Children could also make arts and crafts.  Several giveaways were available throughout the park.  The educators that were present were entered in a drawing for school supplies for their classroom.  As for entertainment, we had youth groups who performed, along with the Carlisle High School Marching Band, and each performance was well received by the crowd.  James Gosney, of Immanuel Baptist Church, provided the sound equipment and Bob McCallie allowed us to use the stage he built many years ago.

At the end of the day, it was safe to say that we were able to provide school supplies to all of the children present, and the estimated count was approximately 270 children! Students in grades 7-12 were given special drawstring backpacks.  Mothers 4 Education will forever be grateful for the many volunteers that helped, the make this event a success, and we hope that more people will see how greatly this benefits the children in Carlisle and surrounding areas.  It was a great day to visit and have fun before returning to the classroom.

The diversity of the members of Mothers 4 Education is unique as well.  These women are mothers, providers, educators and so much more.  Never will a person be turned away if they are able to see the big picture.  Not only can children be told how much they are loved, but they need to be shown the many different ways.  It is not only the job of mothers to teach the young, but to make sure they are well-equipped to progress and excel in the future.

Mothers 4 Education is a non-profit organization that revolves around servicing our community and surrounding areas.  If you wish to join the group or would like more information, please email Mothers4Education@yahoo.com or contact Millie Dowd at 870-552-3293, Angelia James at 870-552-5593 or email Angelia at a.james.m4e@hotmail.com . We look forward to seeing you and serving our local communities!