Loving God through equipping and empowering all God’s children.
Since 1923, Independent Presbyterian Church has operated the Children’s Fresh Air Farm to promote hope and opportunity through partnerships with children, families, and the community by offering quality programming rooted in the love of Christ. Now 100 years later, we continue to minister to children from Birmingham through the Christian-focused Summer Learning Program and LIFT OFF to Learning, a science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) program.
Fresh Air Farm Programs
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In 2010, we created the Christian-focused Summer Learning Program for youth and children from Birmingham's Hayes K-8. Instead of losing several months of academic learning every summer, these children from our STAIR program are making gains of several months in reading and math. They have six weeks of reading, writing, and mathematics in the mornings, as well as afternoons filled with art, music, drama, science and swimming. Bible study and daily worship are also part of the program.
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STAIR 3.0 officially kicked off in October of 2023 and moved back to the Hayes K-8's campus to meet the need for quality after-school programming rooted in the love of Christ. As part of expanded year-round programming for the Children's Fresh Air Farm, a team of dedicated tutors from IPC join forces with Hayes K-8 staff to provide a dynamic bi-weekly 1:1 tutoring program for 3rd-grade students.
Upcoming Opportunties
Each week, IPC volunteer tutors meet one-on-one with 3rd-graders at Hayes K-8 to help them build confidence and improve their literacy skills. The fall term runs from September 23 to December 17, and volunteers are needed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. A scripted, easy-to-follow curriculum is provided, and a background in education is not needed to volunteer. Please reach out to Marion Dukes, Director of the Children's Fresh Air Farm, if you are interested in learning more or signing up.
Want to Help?
If you would like to volunteer with the Children's Fresh Air Farm, contact Evelyn Puckett, Social Services Coordinator.
News
In Alabama one recent report found that 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 4 children face food insecurity. In the city of Birmingham, the poverty rate sits at approximately 24 percent—nearly double the statewide average. With the winter season, more families are turning to local ministries for help. You can help support our neighbors in need this Advent season through IPC's Giving Tree, which supports IPC Social Services and/or the Children’s Fresh Air Farm.
Support the mission of the Children's Fresh Air Farm. Learn, give, and serve as we prepare for the Summer Learning Program (SLP) for youth and children from Birmingham's Hayes K-8.
Make plans to attend our final Centennial celebration at the Children's Fresh Air Farm on October 28 and 29.
Farm Address
501 Park Avenue
Birmingham, AL 35226
Contact
Marion Dukes
Director of the Children's Fresh Air Farm
Evelyn Puckett
Social Services Coordinator
